Author: Chathura Chanuka

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    Travel by car with your dog, hotel transfer & outing service … Toyota Alphard .

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “Hired car transportation with your dog, hotel pick-up & outing service…Toyota Alphard2022 May 21, Saturday, 09:30

    inumo Shiba Koen by Villa Fontaine”” Hired Transportation Service for DogsSeat BeltsSeat Covers and Waterproof Floor Mats
    On May 19, Nihon Kotsu began offering a hired car service to and from inumo Shiba Koen by Villa Fontaine (Minato-ku, Tokyo), a full-service hotel for dogs operated by Sumitomo Fudosan Villa Fontaine, limited to one pair per day.

    inumo Shiba-Koen is a new style of hotel where you can spend time with your dog, including meals, beauty services, and care for your dog in the accommodation fee. The new service offers transportation from home, airports, train stations, etc. to inumo Shiba Koen by a special hired car equipped with seat belts and seat covers for dogs.

    Round-trip or one-way transportation is available. Dogs and dogs can go out together for a half-day charter. The service can also be used for shopping, weddings, funerals, and other occasions where dogs are left at inumo Shiba Park. The service schedule can be customized according to the user’s schedule and wishes.

    For the pick-up and drop-off service, a spacious wagon-type Toyota Alphard will be available for hire. The service is limited to one car per day. The standard fare for a one-way trip from one’s home in Tokyo to “”inumo Shiba Koen”” starts at 14,000 yen.

    “

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    Toyota Corolla Cross low down, harmonic drive kit released from Blitz .

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “Toyota Corolla Cross lowered, coilover kit from Blitz available May 20, 2022, 1:30 p.m.

    On May 19, BLITZ, a tuning parts manufacturer, started selling “”DAMPER ZZ-R”” and “”DAMPER ZZ-R SpecDSC Plus”” coilover kits for Toyota “”Corolla Cross Hybrid”” (ZVG15).

    DAMPER ZZ-R is a reasonably priced suspension kit with mono-tube (mono-tube) construction, full-length adjustability, 32-level damping force adjustment mechanism, and aluminum parts. With a wide range of damping force adjustment, it is suitable for all kinds of driving situations from street to circuit. The kit also features aluminum upper mounts, lock seats, and brackets (some parts) to achieve both high strength and light weight. The φ44 large-diameter piston, which is unique to the mono-tube design, is used to suppress the delay in damping force. This provides supple driving comfort and reliable tracking performance (except for some models). Furthermore, the cartridge can be overhauled first. This enables smooth replacement of consumable parts, which is different from the conventional system.

    Ride height adjustment range is -65 to 0mm in the front and -65 to -20mm in the rear, priced at 206,800 yen.

    DAMPER ZZ-R SpecDSC PLUS is the flagship model of the DAMPER ZZ-R combined with electronic damping force adjustment. It allows easy ride-height adjustment from inside the car. The electronically controlled damping force adjustment is equipped with the industry’s first “”fully automatic”” mode, which fully automatically controls the appropriate damping force according to the number of passengers and driving conditions. A 2.5-inch VA LCD display with proven contrast performance is used to display damping force for all four wheels at all times. A total of 22 different modes are available, allowing the user to switch between simple and easy standard and complex and detailed control advanced.

    The price is 283,800 yen.”

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    EV of Mazda “MX-30”, shortened charging time … 2022 model will be released in Europe in July .

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “Mazda MX-30 EV with shorter charging time…2022 model to go on sale in Europe in July [Detailed photos] May 19, 2022 (Thu) 21:30
    Mazda MX-30 2022 model (European specifications)

    On May 12, Mazda’s European division announced that the 2022 model year of Mazda MX-30, Mazda’s first mass-produced EV, will go on sale in the European market in July. It is designed to reduce charging time.

    The MX-30 will feature e-SKYACTIV, a new generation of electrification technology. The system consists of a motor, battery pack, inverter, and DC-DC converter. The motor, inverter, DC-DC converter, and junction box are designed as one unit and integrated into a high-voltage unit at the front of the vehicle. For the European version, the motor produces a maximum output of 145ps.

    The lithium-ion battery, which is located under the floor and has a storage capacity of 35.5 kWh, has a range of approximately 200 km (WLTP cycle combined mode) per charge. As a result, the quick charge time has been reduced by 10 minutes, from approximately 36 minutes to 26 minutes.”

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    I was able to test drive the Toyota “bZ4X”! A day when response readers enjoyed the latest EV / PHEV .

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “We even got to test drive the Toyota “”bZ4X””! A Day for Response Readers to Enjoy the Latest EVs and PHEVs2022/May/19 Thursday, 18:00

    BMW iX (Response Readers’ Limited EV/PHEV Test Ride) held at Ariake Garden in Tokyo.
    The “”Response Readers Only EV/PHEV Test Ride”” was held in Ariake, Tokyo on May 14th. About 60 pairs of readers who were selected from among those who applied in advance participated in the event and enjoyed driving the latest EVs and PHEVs. The event was held in unfavorable weather conditions, with heavy rain falling until morning, but by the time the event started, the weather had cleared up and the event was a great success.

    Toyota “”bZ4X”” also made an appearance at the EV and PHEV test-ride event!

    Response readers-only EV/PHEV test-ride event”” held at Ariake Garden in Tokyo on May 14.
    The venue was the Ariake Garden Sports and Entertainment Plaza parking lot, the newest spot in the Ariake area. A route was set up to drive around the Wangan subcenter starting from this location.

    The vehicles available for test drives included the Toyota bZ4X, which has just started taking orders, the BMW i4 and iX, the Tesla Model 3, and the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. In addition, the Audi e-tron GT was on display. In addition to staff from each manufacturer, Shinya Yamamoto, an automotive researcher, rode along on the test drives. He gave a detailed explanation of the vehicles so that participants unfamiliar with electric vehicles would be able to drive and understand them without any confusion.

    Toyota bZ4X (Response readers-only EV/PHEV test drive)
    After the test ride, participants had a variety of impressions and opinions. First, those who had driven an EV for the first time gave the impression that the driving experience was comparable to that of an ICE vehicle (engine-powered vehicle), and pointed out the differences in quietness, power, and driving feel unique to EVs and ICE vehicles.

    Another common concern or complaint was the lack of recharging facilities and the low capacity of recharging. They are hesitant to purchase EVs because of a lack of charging facilities and long charging times due to low power supply capacity. Nevertheless, many participants wanted to take this opportunity to try out EVs in anticipation of a full transition to EVs in the future.

    Is the PHEV a realistic option?

    The Outlander PHEV was the only PHEV that attracted the attention of these prospective EV owners, many of whom are interested in EVs but consider PHEVs to be the most realistic option at this time, and are considering purchasing one along with hybrids such as the Prius and Note e-POWER. Some of the participants were even specific, saying that they were considering purchasing a PHEV along with a hybrid such as the Prius or Note e-POWER, or that they would like to purchase a PHEV if one became available for their favorite car model.

    Some of the participants were current EV owners or had test-driven EVs at dealerships. They said they wanted to compare their EVs with those they have driven in the past, or test drive vehicles that were not available at their local dealerships.

    At the exhibition corner, not only the participants but also people enjoying shopping and strolling around the area stopped to look at the exhibits with great interest, clearly indicating the high level of public interest in the latest electric vehicles.”

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    Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV new model, expansion of EV mode cruising … to be released in the US in the latter half of 2022 .

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “New Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV to Expand EV Mode Range…To be Launched in the U.S. in the Second Half of 2022
    Larger gasoline tank expands cruising range when used with engine

    Latest twin-motor 4WD system
    New generation “”Dynamic Shield”” introduced

    Tuesday, May 17, 2022, 7:30 p.m.
    Mitsubishi Motors’ U.S. division unveiled the U.S. version of the new Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV at the Twin Cities Auto Show that opened in Minnesota on May 14.

    ◆Larger gasoline tank expands cruising range when used with engine
    The new Outlander is said to feature the premium quality, tough performance and innovative technology expected from Mitsubishi Motors, in addition to the company’s new design direction.

    Positioned as Mitsubishi Motors’ flagship, it is the most fully equipped vehicle the company has ever developed, the company boasts. The new Outlander PHEV has a larger battery storage capacity, which extends the EV mode cruising range. The larger gasoline tank also extends the cruising range when the engine is used together.

    The engineering base has also been renewed. It uses a platform newly developed by the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance. It uses Mitsubishi’s unique “”S-AWC”” system derived from Rallye.

    ◆The latest twin-motor 4WD system
    The new Outlander PHEV adopts the latest twin-motor 4WD system with one drive motor in each of the front and rear. The motors are more powerful than those of the previous model, and the system takes advantage of the motors’ high responsiveness and the ability to control the front and rear motors with high precision to optimally distribute the driving force to the front and rear wheels according to road surface conditions and driving conditions. This is combined with S-AWC, an integrated vehicle dynamics control system, to achieve the best possible driving performance in terms of running, turning, and stopping.

    S-AWC stands for “”Super All Wheel Control. In addition to Active Stability Control (ASC) and ABS, S-AWC integrates Active Yaw Control (AYC), which uses the brakes to control the left and right wheels, with Mitsubishi Motors’ proprietary four-wheel control technology. The latest S-AWC adds brake control of the left and right wheels to the rear wheels as well, whereas previously only the front wheels were controlled. This reduces the load on the front wheels more than before and enables the four wheels to draw out their tire capacity in a balanced manner.

    In addition, seven different drive modes are available, which can be selected according to road conditions and driving style. The “”NORMAL mode”” is the basic mode, which is optimal for normal driving on paved roads, while the “”GRAVEL mode”” balances maneuverability and drivability on unpaved or wet paved roads, and the “”SNOW mode”” stabilizes vehicle behavior on slippery surfaces such as snowy roads. In addition to the “”GRAVEL mode,”” which offers a balanced driving performance on slippery roads such as snowy roads, and the “”SNOW mode,”” which stabilizes the vehicle’s behavior on slippery roads such as snowy roads, the “”POWER mode”” is for when powerful acceleration is required, and the “”ECO mode”” is environmentally friendly and economical.

    ◆Introduction of the new generation “”Dynamic Shield
    The concept of the new model is “”majestic””. Based on this, it is said to be a reliable SUV with significantly upgraded styling, road performance and high quality. With the launch of the new Outlander, Mitsubishi Motors aims first to increase sales in the North American market and then to achieve global growth.

    The new Outlander is the fourth generation model. The exterior features muscular fenders, bold proportions, and 18-inch aluminum wheels (20-inch wheels are optional). The brand’s new generation “”Dynamic Shield”” front mask and new design language were also first introduced on the new Outlander.

    Body dimensions are 4710 mm long, 1862 mm wide, 1748 mm high, and 2706 mm wheelbase, making it 15 mm longer, 51 mm wider, and 38 mm taller than the previous model. The wheelbase is 36 mm longer.

    “

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    From speaker replacement to quick succession … Nissan X-Trail Part 1.

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “Speaker Replacement and Then the Next Step…Nissan EXTRAIL Part 1 [Car Audio Newcomer] May 17, 2022 (Tue.) 11:00 AM

    Mr. Kondo planned to install a good sounding audio system when he switched cars. Since he did not have much knowledge about car audio, he started by replacing the speakers. However, with the advice of Arclad in Chiba prefecture, he was able to get the sound he was looking for by upgrading the system to the optimum level.

    When he changed his car, he decided to install a high quality audio system.
    Considering the introduction of high quality audio system.
    Mr. Kondo says that he started to pay attention to audio when he switched to his current vehicle, an X-Trail.

    I’ve always loved PC audio, and I’ve always been particular about listening to music with good sound,”” he says. However, I have not focused so much on car audio, but now that I have a new car, I thought I would like to try to get a full-fledged high quality audio system.

    So Mr. Kondo sought the advice of a car audio enthusiast friend.

    One of my friends is an expert on car audio, so I decided to ask him for advice. One of my friends is an expert on car audio, so I asked him for advice. I had never listened to car audio so seriously before, but it had a lot of sounds and was very good. I really wanted to try it. So I decided to ask for an introduction to a store.

    At this point, six months had passed since Mr. Kondo had acquired his Extrail. At first, he was just thinking of installing an audio system to coincide with a new car, but after experiencing the realistic high sound quality of the system through listening tests, he gradually became more serious about the project. After experiencing realistic sound quality through listening tests, Kondo decided to go to a store introduced to him by a friend. That was Arc Ride in Chiba Prefecture, where he ordered the installation this time.

    ◆Speaker replacement + DSP amplifier
    Started to improve the sound quality of his car
    When Mr. Kondo visited the pro shop for the first time, we asked him about his impression when he first came to the store.

    I thought, “”I’ve come to an extraordinary place! I thought, “”I’ve come to the wrong place! However, as I talked with the store staff, I was relieved to learn that they could make proposals that fit my budget. In fact, I came to have the impression that the store was a dependable one.

    The first step in upgrading the system was to replace the speakers.

    The speakers we chose were Bram two-way speakers. To be honest, I chose them for their appearance. The design of the speakers and the simple, cool logo were the deciding factors.

    Along with the speakers, they decided to build a system incorporating an Audison AP8.9-bit DSP amplifier.

    When I listened to the speakers for the first time after the installation was completed, I was impressed by the outstanding tonal quality and the clear, crisp sound with a well-defined center. I still remember how happy I was to think that I would be able to hear this sound every day.

    However, this was the beginning of Mr. Kondo’s car audio journey. After a certain amount of time, Kondo, who already had experience with PC audio, began to feel that the sound was not good enough.

    With the addition of a ◆ subwoofer and the enhancement of DSP amplifiers
    Bass enhancement and sound glossy upgrade
    After replacing the speakers and having the DSP amplifier installed and adjusted, the sound was very good, but after listening to it for a while, I gradually began to feel that the depth or thickness of the bass was lacking. That’s when we began to consider system upgrades, such as adding a subwoofer.

    In his search for the best way to enhance the bass, the owner planned to add a subwoofer. He decided to take action immediately.

    I went to a store and asked about adding a subwoofer. I chose to install the SUPER SUB10 from Bram, the same brand as the front speakers, and decided to install it. At the same time, I wanted to strengthen the power amp, so I changed the DSP amp to an Audison Bit NOVE 5.1. This gave the sound more luster and added glide. I could feel the evolution of the sound in general, along with the thickness of the bass, so it was a very good system upgrade.

    The owner of the system was able to upgrade the system to meet his needs one after the other. In the next installment, he will further upgrade the system to achieve the desired sound. In the second part of this article, we will introduce the process of how he achieved the sound he was aiming for.

    Yasuhiro Tsuchida, Writer
    After working as a digital audio engineer, Tsuchida became an editor at a publishing company. He worked in the editorial departments of motorcycle and 4WD magazines. After becoming independent, he has been involved in writing for car audio, cars, wristwatches, mono-related, interior, and outdoor-related magazines, and was also contracted to serve as editor-in-chief of a car audio magazine. Currently, he is still active in writing mainly for car audio magazines.

    “

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    Toyota “bZ4X”, Bridgestone ALENZA 001 / TURANZA EL450 installed in new cars .

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “Toyota bZ4X: Bridgestone ALENZA 001 / TURANZA EL450 Installed on New Vehicle Tuesday, May 17, 2022, 10:00 AM

    Bridgestone announced that it will deliver ALENZA 001 and TURANZA EL450 tires for installation on the new Toyota bZ4X, a new SUV-type EV launched by Toyota Motor Corporation on May 12.

    The ALENZA 001 tires are 235/60R18 and 235/50R20, and will be installed on vehicles for Japan, Europe, Asia and other regions, while the TURANZA EL450 tires will be installed on vehicles for North America.

    Toyota has set a goal of selling 3.5 million EVs by 2030, and the bZ series is the company’s first new EVs based on a dedicated EV platform. bZ4X, the first model in the series, is an SUV-type EV that offers excitement, driving appeal, safety and security performance.

    The ALENZA 001 and TURANZA EL450, which will be installed on the bZ4X, are premium tires based on “”ENLITEN”” technology, which combines environmental performance and driving performance. The TURANZA EL450 uses the latest materials for the tread rubber and tire framework to achieve both all-season performance, abrasion resistance, and reduced rolling resistance, contributing to the bZ4X’s longer cruising range and driving appeal. and driving appeal of the bZ4X.”

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    Toyota’s new EV “bZ4X” and Yokohama Rubber “ADVAN” installed on new cars .

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “Toyota’s new EV “”bZ4X”” to be newly equipped with Yokohama Rubber’s ADVAN on Tuesday, May 17, 2022 at 10:15 a.m.

    Conceptual drawing of ADVAN V61 “”HAICoLab”” Toyota bZ4X
    Yokohama Rubber has begun deliveries of ADVAN V61 tires for new vehicle installation (OE) on Toyota’s new bZ4X SUV, the company’s first EV, which went on sale in May. The size of the tire is 235/60R18 103H.

    The ADVAN V61 tire is designed to support the enjoyment, driving appeal, safety and security of the bZ4X from the foot. In addition to stable operability and ride comfort, the tire has achieved wear resistance and hydroplaning resistance, and is quiet with low pattern noise and significantly low rolling resistance.

    The development process utilizes HAICoLab, the company’s proprietary framework for utilizing AI, which encourages new discoveries and digital innovation by combining human inspiration and creativity with the vast data processing capabilities of AI. In particular, in order to achieve the high quietness target required of EVs, the optimal pitch arrangement was created using evolutionary computation (genetic algorithm), one of the technologies supporting HAICoLab. New knowledge gained by generating and collecting real and simulated virtual data, and using AI to predict, analyze, and explore, is being used to innovate the technological development of this product.”

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    Suzuki “Jimny” is popular and custom is also a big success ! Not only the classic “age system”! What is the trendy custom method?

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “Suzuki’s “”Jimny”” is popular and customization is booming! Not only the standard “”Agekei””! What are the latest customization techniques?

    Four Directions for Customizing the Jimny
    　The Suzuki Jimny is a domestic vehicle that has been attracting a lot of attention in recent years.

    　The current model has an endearing look that incorporates straight body lines and lovely rounded two-light headlights, and despite being a minicar, it features a ladder frame and part-time four-wheel drive for high rough road drivability.

    The “”Jimny”” is very popular with its lifted-up and heavy-duty tires! Is the pickup “”Sierra”” an option?

    Lift-up is a standard customization of Jimny (Off-Road Service Taniguchi)

    　Until now, the Jimny had a strong image as a professional-use vehicle for work and for men who like off-roading, but the current Jimny’s charming design has gained the support of women who were not interested in SUVs or XC vehicles. The new Jimny’s charming design has gained the support of women who were not interested in SUVs or XC vehicles.

    　The outdoor boom has made the Jimny even more popular among a wide range of people, and customizing the Jimny to one’s own taste is gaining momentum.

    　There are four directions of Jimny customization.

    　There is the “”full-fledged XC custom,”” in which the Jimny’s high rough-road drivability is further enhanced with parts and specifications to improve off-road driving performance, and the “”dress-up custom,”” in which the high basic performance is maintained and the vehicle is given a more sophisticated appearance.

    　Also popular among women is the “”Modify (Retro) Custom,”” in which parts are installed to give the Jimny the image of a popular large XC vehicle, and the “”Outdoor Camper,”” which adds practicality and enjoyment to outdoor activities, ranging from easy to overnight stays in the car. There is also the “”Outdoor Camper Custom”” that combines both practicality and enjoyment of going outdoors.

    　Among the various Jimny customizations that exist, the standard one is to upgrade the off-road performance.

    　Of these, Off-Road Service Taniguchi (Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture), a 4WD specialty store, has sold many original parts.

    　We asked Mr. Taniguchi, the representative of Off-Road Service Taniguchi, about customizing the Jimny to make it an even more attractive off-roader.

    The most popular customization for the current Jimny (JB64/74) is a lift-up.

    　If the vehicle is lifted and fitted with tires with a larger diameter, it will be more powerful, and its off-road performance will also be improved.

    　However, the ride quality will also change, so if you are considering a lifted vehicle, please pay attention not only to the amount of lift, but also to the performance of the suspension.

    　The combination of a lifted vehicle and larger tires seems to be a popular standard customization.

    　Another appeal of Jimny customization is the ability to create an original and unique Jimny by changing bumpers and other exterior parts.

    　In fact, the most popular custom parts at Off-Road Service Taniguchi are the “”ACE Series”” suspensions.

    　This suspension is not only for lifting, but also for a wide range of riding comfort from city driving to off-roading, and each coil has a different ride quality. The original 14-step adjustable shock absorber can be adjusted to meet your needs.

    　Custom parts for convenience goods are also popular, and storage parts such as drink holders and roof racks are attracting attention, and the number of users who have actually installed them is increasing.

    For example, the “”Free Stop Door Opener,”” which stops the rear door in any position, the specially designed “”3D Rubber Mat,”” which prevents dirt and mud from spilling out, and the “”Two-Step Adjustable Side Steps,”” which make it easier to get in and out when the vehicle is lifted up, are hot-selling products.

    The tail light garnish is also attracting attention as an easy way to change the look of the rear of the vehicle,”” says Mr. Taniguchi, representative of Off-Road Service Taniguchi.

    　As a long-established store, one would expect only full-scale customization, but surprisingly, easy customization is also popular.

    　When we asked about future customization of the Jimny, he said that since it is a vehicle that attracts the attention of young women, in addition to exterior parts that look good in installations and convenient products that solve inconveniences, guard system parts and drive system parts such as LSD are also likely to attract attention for off-road beginners.

    Suzuki’s “”Jimny”” popularity has led to a boom in customization! Not just the standard “”Agekei””! What are the latest customization techniques?

    Overland Style”” for Beginners!
    　The current Jimny is popular among a wide range of people because it has added on-road comfort to its existing full-fledged 4WD mechanism and robust body.

    　At events, the custom-made models tend to attract a lot of attention, but what about actual users?

    　We spoke with Mr. Uchida, public relations manager for JAOS (Haigashimura, Gunma Prefecture), a popular aftermarket parts manufacturer specializing in 4WDs and SUVs.

    The Jimny (JAOS), with its rugged tires that emphasize the wildness of the vehicle

    Mr. Uchida said, “”My personal impression, which I received at the event and from various media outlets, is that there are not many people who modify the current Jimny in a flashy way.

    　I think that most of the current Jimny owners like the neo-classical design similar to the second generation (JA11) from the 1990s, and the actual customization is mostly petit customization with wheels and grilles designed to further emphasize the slightly retro image.

    　Among these, the “”overland style”” is attracting attention due to the outdoor boom, and roof racks and other parts that allow efficient loading of camping and other cargo are popular.

    If you are a beginner, I would recommend starting with one-point customization, such as replacing the grille and wheels to give the car an “”overland style”” feel.

    　That alone will change the atmosphere of the car and make you feel more attached to it,”” says JAOS spokesperson Mr. Uchida.

    　In fact, among JAOS products, suspension parts such as the “”BATTLE Lift-Up Set,”” which provides a moderate lift of approximately 40 mm while maintaining both ride comfort and vehicle stability, are popular, as is the original roof rack “”JAOS Flat Rack,”” which is designed to cover the entire roof and has expanded functionality. JAOS Flat Rack,”” an original roof rack designed to cover the entire roof and provide expanded functionality, is also popular.

    When used 4WD and SUV models start to appear in abundance, people tend to prefer parts that are useful for off-roading, such as suspensions and protectors.

    　The Jimny is still a popular vehicle that takes a long time to be delivered, but even so, early models are about to undergo their first vehicle inspections, so we may see an increase in customization that goes one step deeper,”” says JAOS spokesperson Uchida.

    * * * *

    　After all, Jimny customization is not only about pursuing off-road performance through suspension customization such as lifting, but also about enjoying the outdoorsy feel of the vehicle by simply changing the grille and wheels, all thanks to the appeal of the base vehicle.

    　The current Jimny is a great vehicle that can be transformed into both a classic and a full-fledged off-roader.”

  • Born with Honda’s “will” aiming to overthrow “Prius” ! What is the first “Insight”, a hybrid car that is too stoic?

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “Honda’s “”willpower”” to defeat “”Prius”” led to the birth of the first-generation “”Insight”” hybrid car. What is the first generation “”Insight,”” a hybrid car that is too stoic?

    A Look Back at Honda’s First-Generation Insight, a Relentless Pursuit of Improved Fuel Economy
    　Honda’s current model, the third-generation Insight, a hybrid-only middle-class sedan, will be discontinued at the end of August 2022.

    The design is completely sports car! A look at the first-generation “”Insight,”” which was Honda’s best work to date .
    The first-generation “”Insight,”” a rare lost car that pursued fuel efficiency to the point of stoicism

    　The first-generation Insight was launched in 1999 as Honda’s first hybrid car, developed to surpass the fuel efficiency of Toyota’s first-generation Prius, the world’s first mass-produced hybrid car, which was born in 1997. The design pursuing fuel efficiency was unprecedentedly stoic, and it was truly Honda’s “”will””.

    　The Insight will end its history with the third generation, but we look back at what kind of car the first-generation Insight, a rare masterpiece, was.

    * * * * * *

    　The first-generation Insight made a sensational debut when it went on sale in November 1999, achieving the world’s highest fuel economy for a mass-produced gasoline vehicle at 35.0 km/L (10-15 mode), surpassing the 28.0 km/L of the first-generation Prius.

    　Externally, the car was a 3-door hatchback coupe, with an extremely compact overall length of 3940 mm x width of 1695 mm x height of 1355 mm.

    　The design was thoroughly aimed at improving aerodynamic performance, giving it a streamlined, genuine sports car image, and spats covering the rear fender arches were installed to rectify airflow, achieving a coefficient of drag (Cd) of 0.25, which was astounding at the time.

    　Inside, the cockpit features a high-function digital multimeter that can display speed, tachometer, and various information. The advanced design included centralized switches for switching the fuel consumption display, air conditioning, and other controls, which were functionally placed near the meters.

    　In addition, as a consistent effort to reduce weight (see below), the Insight was a two-seater, with a relatively large cargo area in the rear.

    　One of the highlights of the first-generation Insight was the adoption of an all-aluminum monocoque chassis.

    　Compared to the monocoque chassis generally made of steel, the first-generation NSX followed suit with an aluminum monocoque chassis, achieving a significant weight reduction.

    　For this reason, production of the first-generation Insight was carried out at the Takanezawa Plant in Shioya-gun, Tochigi Prefecture, which was built for the NSX.

    　The Takanezawa plant specializes in low-volume production, and machines capable of spot-welding aluminum monocoques were developed for the NSX. In a sense, it can be imagined that the first-generation Insight was designed without regard to cost.

    　In addition, aluminum and resin were used for many of the body panels to reduce weight, and aluminum calipers were used for the front brakes and alfindrum brakes were used for the rear. The brake pedal and clutch pedal arms (5-speed MT model) are also made of aluminum, and the fuel tank is made of high-density polyethylene resin.

    　The power unit is a newly developed 1-liter inline 3-cylinder engine with a maximum output of 70 hp and a 13 hp assist motor. Transmission options included a 5-speed MT and a CVT.

    　These efforts to improve fuel economy resulted in the first-generation Insight achieving a fuel economy of 35.0 km/L. However, sales were extremely sluggish due to the negative factors of being a two-seater. In 2003, the rival Prius was remodeled for the second generation. It was a big hit, achieving 35.5 km/L (10-15 mode) of fuel economy as well as improved power output, and it was also very easy to use.

    　Therefore, the first-generation Insight was improved in 2004 to 36 km/L (10-15 mode), regaining the No. 1 position in fuel economy. However, it could no longer compete with the second-generation Prius in terms of sales, and production was discontinued in 2006.

    　Then, in 2009, the second-generation Insight appeared with a 5-door hatchback body and seating for 5 passengers, which became a hit with its improved practicality, but the chassis and body were made of common steel, and technologically speaking, the Insight has regressed from the first generation.”