Unveiling the All-New Honda Breeze: 190HP of Thrilling Power and Style Await

Toyota’s “”Harrier””-Sized Honda’s “”New SUV”” Coming Soon! Stylishly designed new “”Breeze”” to be officially unveiled in China on December 23 New Honda Breeze with a big mouth On December 20, 2022, Guangqi Honda, a joint venture between Honda and China’s Guangqi Group, posted on its official social networking service that it will hold a presentation of the new Breeze SUV on December 23 of the same year. Official announcement soon! View 35 images of the new Honda Breeze with its big mouth.
What is the new Breeze like?Honda’s new SUV “”Breeze”” to be officially unveiled soon.The Breeze is a sister model of the Honda CR-V and is marketed by Guangqi Honda, a joint venture between Honda and Guangqi Group.The CR-V is a 5- or 7-seat crossover SUV sold in Japan; production of the current (5th generation) model for the domestic market will end in 2022, and as of December 2022, it is only available in stock.The new Breeze announced this time is believed to be based on the new CR-V, the sixth generation of which was announced in the U.S. in July 2022, but this model has not yet been announced for Japan.
Some vehicle information on the new Breeze has already been obtained from information submitted to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of the People’s Republic of China (commonly known as the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology).According to this information, the body size is 4716 mm (length) x 1866 mm (width) x 1691 mm (height) with a wheelbase of 2700 mm, which is equivalent to that of the Toyota Harrier that is available in Japan.The exterior is different from that of the new CR-V, featuring a large grille positioned at the bottom, giving the car a distinctive, intrepid appearance.
In addition, the unpainted resin parts used in the new CR-V have been eliminated, and a garnish of the same color or black is placed on the lower part of the body to create a sense of high quality.The interior, which has already been announced, is almost the same as that of the new CR-V, but the quilted seats have a distinctive design, giving it a futuristic and stylish finish.
As for the powertrain, a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine with a maximum output of 190 hp and a maximum torque of 243 Nm has been announced, and as for advanced safety equipment, Honda SENSING 360, which consists of one millimeter wave radar and four corner sensors, will be standard on all models. The price and other details have not yet been announced.Detailed information such as price has not been disclosed at this time, but it is expected to be revealed at the launch event on December 23, 2022. Expectations for the presentation to be held shortly are growing.
Exquisite Golden Queen: Suzuki Jimny Transformed into Luxurious Pickup Truck with 172 HP Power Boost

Suzuki’s Jimny Becomes a “”Truck””? Gorgeous special edition with gold accents! Italian manufacturer’s “”over 9 million yen custom car is amazing!Current Model Jimny to be Converted into a Pickup Truck?On December 3, 2022, Italian custom manufacturer Z.Mode unveiled the “”Golden Queen,”” a limited edition version of the Jimny MODE Next, a pickup truck version of the Jimny.Gorgeous in both ambiance and price! Suzuki “”Jimny”” converted into a truck in 70 images.Huh? No back seat? Jimny MODE Next,”” a Jimny converted into a pickup truck
Z.Mode is an Italian custom manufacturer that designs, develops, and manufactures mainly custom Jimny cars.The Jimny (including the light four-wheel drive Jimny and the regular Jimny Sierra) is a full-fledged SUV with a compact body that is available in 194 countries and regions worldwide.The current model, the fourth generation launched in July 2018, continues to enjoy its popularity and “”longevity”” even after four years since its launch.
Z.Mode’s “”Jimmy MODE Next”” is a modified model based on the current model Jimmy Pro (Italian name, Jimmy Sierra in Japan).The rear seats and cargo area of the Jimny MODE Next have been cut away and converted into a pickup truck bed. This allows the vehicle to accommodate two passengers and a variety of cargo.
The vehicle height was raised by 75 mm, and the transmission and tires were modified. The vehicle’s off-road performance has been enhanced while its field of vision has been widened.The special edition “”Golden Queen”” exhibited at the Italian Mobility Show “”MONDO MOTORI 2022″” is a more customized version of the Jimny MODE Next.A turbocharger has been installed in the engine, strengthening it to deliver a maximum of approximately 172 hp and 27.5 kgf-m of torque.
In addition, a roll bar has been added to increase safety against rollovers.
In addition, a special coloring combining scratch-resistant wrapping and gold-colored wheels has been added to give the car a more gorgeous appearance than the standard model.
* * * *
The price of the Golden Queen’s base model, the Jimny MODE Next, listed on the official website, is 62,222 euros (approximately 9 million yen) including Italian value-added tax.
The selling price of the special Golden Queen model has not been disclosed.”
Revamped Toyota C-HR Unleashing a Robust Personality in the New Compact SUV – 5 Key Highlights

Toyota’s new compact SUV “”C-HR”” also has “”stronger character””! What is the difference from the “”honor student”” character of the same class “”Corolla Cross””?The “”C-HR”” emphasizes a strong personality that is competitive with its European rivals On December 5, 2022, Toyota’s European division unveiled the C-HR Prologue, a concept car that hints at the new C-HR, which will be the second-generation model. What is the difference between the two models? Strong Character!”” Toyota’s new C-HR Prologue and Corolla Cross compact SUVs in 36 photos.
Same overall length of 4.4m class, but “”totally different characters!”” [The “”C-HR Prologue”” concept car (above) and the “”Corolla Cross”” (Japanese specifications) are “”individualistic,”” hinting at the new C-HR.The current (first generation) C-HR was launched in December 2016.Using the newly developed TNGA GA-C platform first used in the fourth-generation Prius, which was introduced the previous year in December 2015, the model’s driving performance was enhanced by maturing it on the world’s roads, especially in Europe.
At the time, there were many stylish rivals in the compact SUV segment that placed more emphasis on design than those in the upper segments, so the Toyota Design Center in Europe, the U.S., and Japan joined forces to create an original coupe-like style with a personality that would stand out from the competition. The Japanese version will have a 1.5-liter engine and a 1.5-liter engine.
The Japanese version is available with a 1.2-liter gasoline turbo engine or a 1.8-liter hybrid engine.Toyota explains that the new C-HR Prologue concept car, which was unveiled for the first time, faithfully inherits the DNA of the original C-HR.The bold fender shape around the wide front and rear tires and the compact-looking cabin give the car a sporty form that is futuristic, but at the same time, it also shows a strong connection with the first-generation C-HR.In fact, the first-generation C-HR was also launched commercially, following almost exactly the design of the C-HR Concept exhibited at the Paris Motor Show in France in October 2014 and the Frankfurt Motor Show in Germany in September 2015, before its launch.
Toyota claims that the new C-HR Prologue is a similar demonstration, and suggests that this will soon be rolled out in the new (second-generation) C-HR with nearly identical styling.In addition to the hybrid version, the new C-HR will also be available as a plug-in hybrid (PHEV).Toyota’s new C-HR compact SUV also has a “”stronger character””! What makes it different from the “”honor student”” character “”Corolla Cross”” in the same class?
Corolla Cross”” aims to “”exceed expectations with a sense of car class and ease of useThe Corolla Cross, on the other hand, is a compact SUV added in 2020 to Toyota’s global Corolla series of strategic vehicles that have been offered globally since 1966. It was first unveiled in Thailand and then rolled out globally, with its Japanese debut scheduled for September 2021.
Comparing them from the side, you can clearly see the difference in cabin space size, etc.! [Above is the Toyota C-HR (current model) / Below is the Corolla Cross.]
Like the C-HR, Prius, and the rest of the Corolla series, the Corolla Cross was developed on the TNGA GA-C platform.At the time of its announcement in Thailand, Toyota described the Corolla Cross as a model “”developed with the aim of achieving both a ‘sense of vehicle character (powerful appearance)’ and ‘utility (ease of use)’ that exceeds user expectations.While the C-HR is a “”strong”” character that emphasizes individuality above all else, the Corolla Cross is the exact opposite, claiming to be an “”honors student”” character.
The Japanese version is available in 1.8-liter gasoline and 1.8-liter hybrid versions.Comparing body sizes between the current models (Japanese specifications), the C-HR measures 4385 mm (length) x 1795 mm (width) x 1550 mm (height) with a wheelbase of 2640 mm, while the Corolla Cross measures 4490 mm (length) x 1825 mm (width) x 1620 mm (height) with a wheelbase of 2640 mm.
While they share the same wheelbase, the C-HR is lower and more compact overall.Furthermore, a comparison of the actual vehicles shows that the C-HR’s low, wide, bold form gives it a strong presence, which remains unchanged six years after its debut.On the other hand, the Corolla Cross, with its large windows and imposing styling, is more impressive than its dimensions.
The interior of the C-HR, with its sports car-like enveloping feel, contrasts with the spaciousness of the Corolla Cross in both front and rear seating and cargo area, just like the exterior.
Thus, it is clear that the C-HR and Corolla Cross, while using the same TNGA GA-C platform and having relatively similar body sizes in the 4.4-meter class in overall length, have been cleverly built based on completely different concepts.The timing of the new C-HR production model’s arrival has not been disclosed, but expectations are high for how it will differ from the Corolla Cross, just as the current model does.
Unrivaled Comfort Honda ZR-V SUV Offers Luxurious In-Car Stay for 2

Honda’s new SUV “”ZR-V”” has room to stay in the car! Wider than the Vezel! It has an amazing cargo space that can carry anything!Look at how the new ZR-V utilizes its cargo space!The ZR-V is Honda’s new SUV model.Originally, the launch of this new ZR-V was scheduled for the fall of 2022, but has been postponed to April 21, 2023 in order to prioritize the production of the “”Vezel”” and other models whose deliveries have been delayed due to the recent semiconductor shortage and other factors.
A real luxury car! The interior and exterior of the new ZR-V, which can even stay overnight in the car, are humongous! PhotosIn the meantime, test drives of the new ZR-V have been deployed at Honda dealerships, and pre-orders have already begun. According to Honda’s PR department, orders are brisk.The new ZR-V features a high-class interior and exterior
The new ZR-V is an SUV based on the current Civic, and like the Civic, it is equipped with two power units: a 1.5-liter turbo engine and a 2-liter hybrid (e:HEV).The Sport e:HEV, the first SUV to be equipped with the new-generation two-motor hybrid system, is optimized for the new ZR-V and delivers a high-quality, exhilarating ride with more torque than the 3-liter V6 engine.
Another feature of the new ZR-V is its luxurious interior and exterior. The front design with vertical grille gives the car a fearless look like a high-end imported car, and the interior is available in “”maroon”” with a pearl-like shine, giving the car a premium finish.
The new ZR-V’s unique value lies in its “”drive at will”” and “”presence-inspiring design,”” but the developers have also focused on practicality, which is an important aspect of SUVs.According to the developers of the new ZR-V, “”In response to users’ comments that the cargo space of the smaller “”Vezel”” is too small for the same SUV, we made sure that the new ZR-V’s cargo space is also usable.The new ZR-V’s cargo area has a low ground clearance of 695 mm and a flat cargo floor, making it easier to load and unload cargo.
The new ZR-V can hold three golf bags horizontally without folding down the seats, while the Vezel requires the rear seats to be tilted or folded forward when placing a golf bag in the cargo area. The new ZR-V can carry three golf bags sideways without folding down the seats.Furthermore, the new ZR-V is also suitable for overnight stays in the car. The seat surface sinks when the rear seats are folded forward, making it possible to fully flatten the cargo area and the back of the rear seats. By placing an air mat or other material there, it is possible to sleep comfortably in the car.In addition, when the front seats are reclined forward, a mat nearly two meters in length can be placed on top of them.The new ZR-V’s large cargo space is also useful when going outdoors, as it can carry camping gear for four people in the cargo space, and two bicycles can be loaded without removing the front wheels and saddles, making it possible to take on active hobbies without difficulty.
The cargo opening, the inside of the tailgate, and the front and rear door pockets are decorated with a wave-shaped pattern (geometrical pattern).This is not only for design purposes, but also to reduce the appearance of scratches caused by rubbing when loading and unloading cargo or getting in and out of the car.
Dynamic Transformation Toyota Prius 5 Ignites Controversy Among Previous Owners

Toyota Prius is too sporty for previous owners! The new “”Prius”” is too sporty for previous owners! Thursday, December 15, 2022 10:10 What do you think of the new Prius?The Toyota “”Prius,”” renowned as the pioneer of hybrid cars since its birth in 1997, has been fully remodeled into its 5th generation. I’ve never seen a Prius like this! Customized versions with extreme flair are already on the market!
The new Prius is longer, wider, and lower than the previous model, and has a new sporty appeal.On the other hand, the new Prius has been criticized by some for its change of character, as it aims for a premium line that emphasizes style rather than family use.In this issue, we asked owners of successive generations of the Prius about the new model. How do they view the change from pursuing practicality and fuel economy to a more stylish and sporty line?
Mr. T, a man in his 50s who has been driving a third-generation Prius, said that while the stylish new direction of the new model is appealing, he is concerned that it will be even harder to drive. I’ve been driving a 30 Prius for quite a long time, but originally the front of the car has a steep drop, so it’s hard to get a sense of the vehicle in front of me.
The new model is cooler and more attractive, but I am concerned about whether the A-pillar will be laid down further, making the driver’s seat feel more oppressive and the front of the car more distant.If my parents, who are in their 70s, are also driving, I am concerned about the design, which seems to have poor ease of getting in and out of the car and poor rearward visibility, and I worry that it will not be kind to the elderly.””
The C segment, to which the Prius belongs, is exquisitely positioned between the compact car and the middle class. There are many previous owners who don’t want to drive a compact car, but don’t want to drive a car that is too big, so the bold change of course is controversial.
I am sure that this is a proposal for a new sense of value. It is a matter of course to have good fuel economy, but we needed something more attractive, and I think the answer was ‘sportiness.It is definitely a good car if you actually drive it, but I think it would have been better if they had prioritized practicality a little more, including increasing the size of the car.It seems that many people are demanding practicality from the Prius. Especially for novice drivers and the elderly, ease of getting in and out of the car and visibility are very important. I wonder how users will evaluate this area after the car is actually sold.On the other hand, there are those who welcome this stylish line.
Mr. E, a man in his 30s who currently drives a compact car, used to own a third-generation Prius, and he says he is quite impressed with the new fifth-generation Prius, partly because he shunned the “”overly aggressive design”” of the fourth-generation Prius.The fourth-generation Prius, especially the previous model before the minor changes in 2018, was not very perfect, to be honest,”” he said. In that respect, the new model has a novel impression in its face, but it was immune to the new “”Crown”” and I think the rear style is like a hatchback, and yet it also gives the impression of a more futuristic look.
Moreover, thanks to its low and wide profile, it looks as stylish as an imported car, and I would like to drive it.I’m also interested in the sharp acceleration that only PHEVs can provide, and I’d like to give it a try if I get the chance to test drive one. Mr. A’s opinion seems to indicate that a car needs to have not only performance but also a cohesive overall design.
Toyota’s new “”Prius”” is too sporty for previous owners to resist! Some are concerned that the visibility will be poor…What are the features of the new Prius?What catches the eye in the new Prius is its different and elongated proportions: it inherits the 5-door hatchback style from the second generation, but clearly emphasizes a lower profile. Furthermore, the front face has been redesigned with a “”hammerhead”” motif, which is also used on the new Crown, and is typical of the latest Toyota models.At 4600 mm long x 1780 mm wide x 1430 mm wide, the new Prius is not only slightly longer and slightly wider than the previous model, but also 40 mm lower.
At a time when SUVs are the mainstay of the market, with many models exceeding 1600 mm in overall height, the new Prius gives the impression of a much lower stance, emphasizing its sporty nature.Toyota’s new Prius Another notable feature of the new Prius is its revamped powertrain: in addition to the 1.8-liter hybrid, a 2-liter hybrid is available. In addition, a 2-liter plug-in hybrid (PHEV) will be offered.Maximum output is 140 hp for the 1.8-liter hybrid, 193 hp for the 2-liter hybrid, and 223 hp for the 2-liter PHEV, with an agile 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 6.7 seconds. In fact, as of December 2022, WLTC fuel economy figures have not been released, but horsepower and acceleration are clear, as if to emphasize the sportiness of the car.
The 1.8-liter hybrid emphasizes economy, the PHEV uses a large amount of electric energy to drive the motor for sharp acceleration, and the 2-liter hybrid aims to combine the best of both worlds, offering the performance that users demand in a pine, bamboo, and plum arrangement, as one might expect from Toyota.The new Prius has taken the sporty route, but even at the expense of some practicality, it seems to be aiming for a premium line like the sports 4-door coupe, which has become rare nowadays.
There are several possible reasons for this, including the fact that Toyota has a large lineup of hybrid vehicles in addition to the Prius, and that the role of the world’s first mass-produced hybrid vehicle has been fulfilled, and that a new appeal was needed to maintain a presence in the C-segment class, where there are many strong players. The new Crown is in the same vein as the new Crown.
This seems to be the same trend with the new Crown, and Toyota’s decision to add crossovers and SUVs to keep the Crown name alive was a bold change to keep the Prius alive.It also made it possible to appeal that hybrid vehicles can offer fun features other than fuel economy, and it may be that a suitable style was necessary to push sportiness to the forefront.
There is an impression that the new Prius is designed to appeal to new users rather than existing users.There are various opinions on the change to a sporty line, but it seems certain that the stylish new Prius will still “”sell”” well.
“Toyota’s “bold face” new SUV “C-HR Concept” .

Toyota’s “”bold face”” new SUV “”C-HR Concept”” will be released as it is? What is the “”precedent”” of commercialization of a novel “”show car””?
The first generation “”C-HR”” was also born with a concept car design
On December 5, 2022, Toyota’s European division premiered the C-HR Prologue concept car.
The model is said to hint at what the new, second-generation C-HR will look like, but the current (first-generation) C-HR, which appeared in December 2015, has a history of being brought to market with a bold concept car design that was largely retained, and it seems likely that the new model will follow a similar process.
“”Too bold! Photos of the first-generation C-HR and its prototype concept car .
Above: first (current) generation “”C-HR”” (production model) launched in December 2015 / Below: the C-HR Concept (concept car) at the Frankfurt Motor Show in Germany in September 2015
The current C-HR is a model with enhanced driving performance using the newly developed TNGA GA-C platform, which has been matured on the world’s roads, especially in Europe.
The Japanese version is available in 1.2-liter gasoline turbo engine and 1.8-liter hybrid versions.
The C-HR’s design was also extremely original.
The combination of the bold fender shape around the wide, protruding front and rear tires and the compact-looking cabin gave it a sporty, coupe-like style that asserted a strong individuality unmatched by any other car.
Such an overly bold design has its roots.
First, the design was brushed up after being exhibited at the Paris Motor Show in France in October 2014, and then reintroduced at the Frankfurt Motor Show in Germany the following September 2015, using the “”C-HR Concept”” design as the prototype.
While the Paris Show model had three doors, the concept model exhibited at the Frankfurt Show had five doors, making it more realistic, and the production version largely followed that image.
Toyota explains that the new C-HR Prologue concept car faithfully inherits the DNA of the first-generation C-HR and is a demonstration model of the new (second-generation) C-HR.
The C-HR PROLOG’s futuristic form has a strong impact, but it also cleverly inherits the bold image of the first-generation C-HR.
* * *
The production model of the new C-HR, like the first generation, will be available as a hybrid vehicle as well as a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) vehicle.
However, as of December 5, 2022, no announcement or launch date for the production version has been made.
The CG of the “GR Prius” is amazing!

Toyota’s new “”Prius”” with powerful over fenders “”GR spec””? The three mufflers are too cool! The CG of the “”GR Prius”” is amazing!
Is it feasible? GR-spec Prius
The new Toyota Prius will make its world premiere on November 16, 2022, and is expected to go on sale this winter.
It looks so fast! View a rendering of the new Toyota Prius armed with over fenders and GR specs .
Theo throttle, a virtual car tuner, has posted a rendering of the Prius in GR spec.
Rendering of the new Toyota Prius transformed to GR specifications (Photo: Theo throttle)
The Prius was created in 1997 as the world’s first mass-produced hybrid car. To date, four generations of the Prius have been introduced, with a cumulative global sales volume of approximately 5.05 million units, and it has been widely used around the world.
In 2022, which marks the 25th anniversary of its birth, the fifth generation of the new Prius will make its debut. In addition to its strength of high environmental performance, the new Prius was developed to be a car with “”a design that makes you fall in love with it at first sight”” and “”a driving experience that makes you fall in love with it.
The exterior inherits the iconic “”mono-form silhouette”” of the original Prius, but has evolved to sportier and more stylish proportions with a lower center of gravity based on the second-generation TNGA platform and the adoption of large 19-inch diameter tires.
The hybrid and PHEV models are scheduled to go on sale this winter and spring 2023, respectively.
Toyota’s GR, on the other hand, is a sports car series developed by TOYOTA GAZOO Racing. The current lineup includes the Toyota GR86, GR Yaris, GR Supra, and GR Corolla.
Theo throttle’s rendering of the Prius, customized to GR specifications, has been released.
The exterior is painted a bright red, and the front face and fenders are fitted with parts designed to look like a GR Corolla. The roof and door mirrors are painted black, giving the car a sporty look.
The rear view is also equipped with a GR Corolla-like bumper, and the muffler has a three-pronged design that is uniquely eco-car-like.
The car has been praised as “”This is amazing! This is a beautiful Prius”” (editor’s translation).
Theo throttle
Theo throttle has created renderings of various “”what if”” cars that do not yet exist in reality, such as a Toyota Tundra with Lexus specifications and a Toyota Century with SUV specifications, and has posted them on his social networking service.
The renderings created by Theo throttle are, of course, unrealistic designs that have not been approved by the manufacturer, but since the previous generation Prius (PHV model) also has a GR Sport model, we cannot completely rule out the possibility of a GR model appearing.
Black bZ4X”” and “”Black Aria”” are proliferating on the streets!

Black bZ4X”” and “”Black Aria”” are proliferating on the streets! EV Taxis”” in full swing? What is the plan of a cab app company?
Aiming to reduce CO2 emissions by 30,000 tons per year by 2027
Cabs are about to enter the EV era in earnest.
Look twice without thinking! Photos of the German version of Toyota’s “”bZ4X”” cab
On December 12, 2022, MoT, the company behind the GO cab app, announced the launch of its “”Taxi Industry GX Project”” worth up to 28 billion yen to help create a decarbonized society.
GX stands for “”Green Transformation,”” an initiative to reform the economic and social system as well as improve the environment through a shift to renewable and clean energy.
The cab industry GX project aims to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 30,000 tons per year by 2027 through the conversion of cabs to EVs and other measures.
Participating in the project are approximately 100 cab operators nationwide, mainly in urban areas, as well as Toyota, Nissan, NTT DoCoMo, Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, ADI, and others.
Up to 2,500 Toyota bZ4X EVs and 2,500 Nissan Leaf and Aria EVs will be provided by 2031. A maximum of 2,900 chargers (400 rapid and 2,500 regular) will also be installed at each office.
Nissan will develop and provide an optimal system for operation and energy management when EVs are introduced to the cab fleet.
A new insurance menu will also be provided to compensate for the risk of financial damage caused by equipment malfunction or failure.
Through these initiatives, MoT explained that it expects to reduce CO2 emissions by almost 100% and save 30,000 tons per year.
The company plans to expand this initiative to all cab operators and aims to raise decarbonization awareness throughout Japan through GX in cabs.
New Toyota “”Prius Modellista Specification”” to be Exhibited at Auto Salon 2023 .

Shark face! New Toyota “”Prius Modellista Specification”” to be Exhibited at Auto Salon 2023
Modellista plans to exhibit three new Prius models
On December 12, 2022, Toyota Customizing & Development (TCD), a provider of customized parts for Toyota and Lexus vehicles, announced that it will exhibit “”Modellista”” brand customized cars at TOKYO AUTO SALON 2023 ( Auto Salon 2023 will be held at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2023.
Auto Salon 2023 will be held at Makuhari Messe in Mihama-ku, Chiba City for a total of three days from January 13 to 15, 2023.
This… is so cool! See the aero specs of the new Prius in action!
Two new Prius Modellista specifications will be on display (Image: Toyota Mobility Parts official YouTube)
The exhibited vehicles are customized cars of the new 5th generation “”Prius,”” which made its world premiere on November 16 and is scheduled to go on sale this winter.
In addition to the two versions of the customized car that were previously unveiled on the teaser site at the same time as the world premiere of the Prius, a base model will also be exhibited, making a total of three Prius vehicles on display.
The two versions will be different from each other: “”NEO ADVANCE STYLE”” and “”ELEGANT ICE STYLE.
The NEO ADVANCE STYLE features a large LED illumination on the front and a three-dimensional blackout to express a dynamic presence.
On the other hand, the ELEGANT ICE STYLE features chrome decorations that wrap around the vehicle, emphasizing its high quality.
TCD explains that the Auto Salon 2023 exhibit will showcase both the base model and the two versions of the car, allowing visitors to experience the design of both.
Details of the aero parts for the new Modellista-branded Prius are expected to be revealed in the future.
Why the rash of thefts of Toyota Prius mufflers?

Why the rash of thefts of Toyota Prius mufflers? Prefectural Police Alerted to 100 Victimizations! What is the reason for the worldwide increase in damage?
Chiba Prefectural Police Warns of More Than 100 Cases of Toyota Prius Alone in 2022!
On December 2, 2022, Chiba Prefectural Police issued a warning to “”Beware of Muffler Theft! The Chiba Prefectural Police issued a warning to the public to “”Beware of Muffler Theft!
Among them, the theft of mufflers (catalysts) of Toyota’s hybrid car “”Prius”” seems to have been reported one after another.
What part of the Prius is being targeted? The new Prius, unveiled for the first time in the world, has been well received for its design! See the actual car!
Why are Toyota’s “”old Prius”” mufflers targeted? Why are hybrid vehicles targeted worldwide (image: 3rd generation Prius)?
This alert seems to have been issued since early November 2022 in areas where muffler thefts are particularly common, such as Kisarazu City and Wakaba-ku, Chiba City.
In fact, the following is a statement issued by the Kisarazu Police Department on November 9, 2022.
(Original text of the police announcement is in Japanese only)
The following is the original statement issued by the Kisarazu Police Department on November 9, 2022.
Beware of theft of muffler parts for hybrid cars! (Shiomi 1-chome, Kisarazu City)
This is an announcement from the Kisarazu Police Station.
Recently, there have been a series of incidents of theft of parts connected to the muffler (commonly known as catalytic converters) at the bottom of hybrid vehicles in the jurisdiction of the Kisarazu Police Station.
In order to avoid becoming a victim, you should
z Parking lots that are well-lit and bright at night.
Parking lots with good visibility and no blind spots
Parking lots with security cameras installed.
In addition, you should also try to prevent damage by installing similar facilities in your home parking lot or installing an alarm system in your car.
Kisarazu Police Station, Chiba Prefecture
oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
A Chiba Prefectural Police official had the following to say on the matter.
In 2022, there have been more than 100 cases of thefts targeting Prius mufflers in the prefecture.
Most of the damage has occurred during the nighttime hours, often at monthly parking lots and apartment complex parking lots.””
More than 100 cases of catalyst theft have been reported in Prius & Chiba Prefecture alone since January 2022, which seems like a rather large number.
The Chiba Prefectural Police recommends the installation of alarm devices in cars, security cameras and sensor lights in parking lots, and choosing parking lots with security cameras and bright lights at night when parking for a certain time.
Incidentally, although there is no official data available in Japan, slightly older hybrid cars are often the victims overseas.
According to Toyota UK, the 2nd generation Prius (2004-2009), the 3rd generation Prius (2009-2016), and the 2nd generation Auris Hybrid (2012-2018) are the vehicles with the most stolen catalysts.
In newer hybrids, catalytic converters are less likely to be stolen because they are designed to be less vulnerable to theft.
However, based on the aforementioned data, owners of first through third-generation Prius may want to be careful.
Regarding the background of older Prius being more likely to be targeted, one auto mechanic said, “”The number of second- and third-generation Prius sold is very large. And even though they are old in design, they boast fuel efficiency comparable to today’s cars. Because of this, they are still very popular for used car test drives. Because of this, the Prius itself is often the target of theft, and I suspect that the muffler (catalytic converter) alone is an easy target for theft.
* * * * * * * * * *
In the UK, a project to prevent the theft of catalytic converters has been launched in cooperation with Toyota UK and the police.
This project calls for owners of Toyota hybrid vehicles to come in and mark the catalytic converters to make it more difficult to resell them.
The purpose of this project is not to physically prevent catalytic converter theft, but rather to prevent the theft of the catalytic converter from being discovered and resold for profit by revealing the owner’s history when the catalytic converter is stolen and resold.
Why the rash of Toyota Prius muffler thefts? 100 cases of damage, and the prefectural police have been alerted! What is the reason for the worldwide increase in damage?
Kuruma News
Chiba Prefectural Police Warns of More Than 100 Cases of Toyota Prius Alone in 2022!
On December 2, 2022, Chiba Prefectural Police issued a warning to “”Beware of Muffler Theft! The Chiba Prefectural Police issued a warning to the public to “”Beware of Muffler Theft!
Among them, the theft of mufflers (catalysts) of Toyota’s hybrid car “”Prius”” seems to have been reported one after another.
(Image) What part of the Prius is being targeted? The new Prius, unveiled for the first time in the world, has been well received for its design! See the actual car! (29 pictures)
Why are Toyota’s “”old Prius”” mufflers targeted? Why are hybrid vehicles targeted worldwide (image: 3rd generation Prius)?
This alert seems to have been issued since early November 2022 in areas where muffler thefts are particularly common, such as Kisarazu City and Wakaba-ku, Chiba City.
In fact, the following is a statement issued by the Kisarazu Police Department on November 9, 2022.
(Original text of the police announcement is in Japanese only)
The following is the original statement issued by the Kisarazu Police Department on November 9, 2022.
Beware of theft of muffler parts for hybrid cars! (Shiomi 1-chome, Kisarazu City)
This is an announcement from the Kisarazu Police Station.
Recently, there have been a series of incidents of theft of parts connected to the muffler (commonly known as catalytic converters) at the bottom of hybrid vehicles in the jurisdiction of the Kisarazu Police Station.
In order to avoid becoming a victim, you should
z Parking lots that are well-lit and bright at night.
Parking lots with good visibility and no blind spots
Parking lots with security cameras installed.
In addition, you should also try to prevent damage by installing similar facilities in your home parking lot or installing an alarm system in your car.
Kisarazu Police Station, Chiba Prefecture
oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
A Chiba Prefectural Police official had the following to say on the matter.
In 2022, there have been more than 100 cases of thefts targeting Prius mufflers in the prefecture.
Most of the damage has occurred during the nighttime hours, often at monthly parking lots and apartment complex parking lots.””
More than 100 cases of catalyst theft have been reported in Prius & Chiba Prefecture alone since January 2022, which seems like a rather large number.
The Chiba Prefectural Police recommends the installation of alarm devices in cars, security cameras and sensor lights in parking lots, and choosing parking lots with security cameras and bright lights at night when parking for a certain time.
Incidentally, although there is no official data available in Japan, slightly older hybrid cars are often the victims overseas.
According to Toyota UK, the 2nd generation Prius (2004-2009), the 3rd generation Prius (2009-2016), and the 2nd generation Auris Hybrid (2012-2018) are the vehicles with the most stolen catalysts.
In newer hybrids, catalytic converters are less likely to be stolen because they are designed to be less vulnerable to theft.
However, based on the aforementioned data, owners of first through third-generation Prius may want to be careful.
Regarding the background of older Prius being more likely to be targeted, one auto mechanic said, “”The number of second- and third-generation Prius sold is very large. And even though they are old in design, they boast fuel efficiency comparable to today’s cars. Because of this, they are still very popular for used car test drives. Because of this, the Prius itself is often the target of theft, and I suspect that the muffler (catalytic converter) alone is an easy target for theft.
* * * * * * * * * *
In the UK, a project to prevent the theft of catalytic converters has been launched in cooperation with Toyota UK and the police.
This project calls for owners of Toyota hybrid vehicles to come in and mark the catalytic converters to make it more difficult to resell them.
The purpose of this project is not to physically prevent catalytic converter theft, but rather to prevent the theft of the catalytic converter from being discovered and resold for profit by revealing the owner’s history when the catalytic converter is stolen and resold.
Why the rash of Toyota Prius muffler thefts? 100 cases of damage, and the prefectural police have been alerted! What is the reason for the worldwide increase in damage?
12/12 (Mon.) 7:10
31
31 comments
Automotive News
Metal used for catalysts exploded due to the Corona disaster! Catalyst theft is not only in Japan.
The purpose of stealing mufflers involves the precious metals used in the catalytic converter (a device used to clean and remove exhaust gases) attached to the muffler.
Catalytic converters contain honeycomb coated with precious metals such as platinum, palladium, and rhodium, which filter out harmful components in the exhaust gases.
Catalytic converter theft has been around for a long time, but especially since the Corona disaster, these precious metals have skyrocketed and theft has skyrocketed as well.
The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) states
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly reduced metal production in mines.
With fewer workers in the mines and supply chains disrupted, the cost of mining and producing the precious metals used in catalysts has increased significantly.””
As a result, the price of rhodium has risen to a record high of 200% since March 2020, and catalyst theft has skyrocketed.
Toyota’s 4th-generation Prius, which consists of complex and expensive parts.
So, what happens to a car when the catalyst is stolen? We asked an acquaintance living in the U.S. who was actually a victim of catalyst theft.
The catalytic converter of his car was stolen in a hotel parking lot in Gardena, Los Angeles, in November 2022 in a matter of minutes.
The car that was the victim of the theft is a Toyota Tundra.
This Tundra is not a hybrid vehicle. The owner of the stolen car said the following, including after the theft.
After the theft, the car is in what is called a straight pipe. The silencer is behind it, so it makes an explosive noise.
It is illegal to drive the car as it is, so we are currently taking emergency measures.
In a short period of time, our Tundra, my friend’s Honda “”Element””, and the paint shop truck next to my office were also hit during the night when they were parked outside.
The Tundra sustained about $2,500 (340,000 yen) in damage from the catalytic converter and O2 sensor.
Insurance will cover the damage, but the delivery time will be over a year.
When we placed the order for the catalyst with Toyota USA, they had a back order of 3,000 units for the entire state of California at that point.
Now we know how many are stolen.