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    Exciting Next-Gen Toyota C-HR Prologue Unveiled: 2023 Debut Speculation Grows

    Toyota’s next-generation “C-HR” previewed! Cool shark face design! Will the stylish SUV be released in Japan? Australian introduction revealed!Next-gen C-HR revealed! Introduced in Australia in recent years, Japan yet?On December 5, Toyota’s Australian subsidiary revealed the new C-HR Prologue, a concept car, as the next model of the compact SUV C-HR.The latest Toyota face! The new Toyota C-HR Prologue, the “next C-HR” .This car was unveiled for the first time in the world on the same day by Toyota’s European subsidiary.

    The “C-HR Prologue Concept,” the next generation C-HR The C-HR concept model “TOYOTA C-HR Concept” was unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in September 2014, and later made its official debut in December 2016 as a coupe-style compact SUV, which was also sold in Japan and gained popularity.The model currently on sale in Japan is a minor-changed model that will go on sale in 2019, with exterior changes such as enlarged front air intakes, the addition of a manual transmission model, sequential turn signals, and other improvements.

     The body size is 4385-4390 mm (overall length) x 1795 mm (overall width) x 1550-1565 mm (overall height), making it compact and easy to maneuver.The Australian announcement states that the new C-HR PROLOG is a model that hints at the next model of the C-HR.The styling of the C-HR PROLOG was done at Toyota’s European design and development headquarters in the south of France, just like the current C-HR, and the exterior design is extremely modern, but with a friendly, human touch.
    The front face features a sharp design inspired by the “hammerhead” (hammerhead shark), which is also shared by the new Prius.Although details of the body size have not been disclosed, it is said to be a C-SUV (C-segment SUV) like the current C-HR, so it is unlikely that there will be any drastic size changes.

     As for the powertrains, it has been announced that a “hybrid” and a “plug-in hybrid” will be available, which foreshadows that the PHEV option will be increased compared to the current model.Sean Hanley, Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations for Toyota’s Australian subsidiary, commented on the new C-HR Prologue as followsToyota is looking to market the new C-HR alongside the recently launched Corolla Cross, and the concept model we have just unveiled anticipates an exciting future.The current C-HR has been well received by customers for its bold styling and unique small SUV packaging, and the concept vision for the next generation C-HR takes it to an even higher level.

     We look forward to unveiling the final production version and introducing it to the Australian market in the coming years.”As of December 7, 2022, the C-HR Prologue Concept is only available in Australia outside of Europe.The release introducing the C-HR Prologue Concept states, “”Details of the new C-HR introduction and product details in Australia will be announced closer to launch,” making it clear that the model will be introduced in Australia and will go on sale within a few years.

     In Japan, the C-HR has become a hot topic of conversation on social networking sites, with comments such as, “It looks cool,” “I want one,” and “When will it be introduced in Japan?Some overseas media are saying that the car will debut in 2023, but there has been no announcement regarding its introduction in Japan.

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    Introducing the Toyota GR Yaris Cross A Boldly Stylish Extremely Fast SUV with a Daring Black Gril 3.29 Million Yen

    Toyota’s New “Extremely Fast SUV” with a Fearless Black Grill! GR Yaris Cross” Newly Launched in Australia at Approx. 3.29 Million YenWhat is the sporty SUV “GR Yaris Cross”?Toyota’s Australian subsidiary has announced the addition of the new Yaris Cross GR SPORT (“”GR Yaris Cross””) to Toyota’s Yaris Cross compact SUV lineup on December 5, 2022

    What kind of model is it?The intrepid black grille is so cool! GR Yaris Cross” Australian specifications in 28 imagesToyota “GR Yaris Cross” Newly Launched in AustraliaThe Yaris Cross is an urban compact SUV that uses the TNGA platform (GA-B).The newly added GR Yaris Cross is styled to resemble a GR Series sports car based on the Yaris Cross’ 2WD drive system and GXL grade.The exterior features a newly designed black grille with the characteristic “”G”” mesh pattern of the GR series, while the rear side features a similar mesh pattern on the rear bumper and a rear diffuser featuring four vertically aligned aerodynamic fins.

     Other features include black mirror caps and GR-specific badges front and rear.Underfoot are sporty 18-inch aluminum wheels, and the front brakes feature red brake calipers with the GR logo. Exclusive tires are mounted to improve driving performance.The interior features a combination of synthetic leather and black suede seats with light gray stitching as accents.The headrests, steering wheel, and smart key feature the GR logo, and the aluminum pedals are designed to evoke sports driving.

     Other details, such as gunmetal decorations on the shift knob and inner door trim, give the car a sporty design with attention to detail.On the driving side, the suspension has been retuned to improve ride comfort and steering response.The GR Yaris Cross also uses the low center of gravity and rigid Yaris Cross TNGA-B platform, from which the suspension has been lowered 10 mm to further improve handling.Powertrains include a three-cylinder gasoline engine and a 1.5-liter hybrid system. It delivers a maximum output of 91 hp and maximum torque of 120 Nm.The GR Yaris Cross is available in only one grade and is priced at $35,840 (approximately 3,288,800 Japanese yen).

     Sean Hanley, vice president of sales, marketing and franchise operations for Toyota’s Australian subsidiary, commented on the new GR Yaris Cross as followsThe GR Yaris Cross represents Toyota’s commitment to providing customers with vehicles that not only look good, but are exciting to drive, by offering a sporty aesthetic and a more dynamic driving experience.The Japanese version of the GR Yaris Cross goes on sale on August 8, 2022.

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    Explosive Unveiling: 6th Gen Honda CR-V Seizes Mexico with Powerful Design

    Honda’s “tough-looking” new CR-V, the size of Toyota’s Harrier, is unveiled! The “6th generation” with a “powerful design” is launched in the ink market! What about Japan?While the 5th generation is still being sold in Japan, the 6th generation debuts in Mexico On December 1, 2022, Honda’s Mexican subsidiary unveiled the new 2023 CR-V.

    Coming to Japan! Interior and exterior of Honda’s handsome new CR-V SUV in 44 images.The new CR-V, the sixth-generation model, will make its world premiere in the U.S. on July 12, 2022. It was launched in the U.S. market on September 22 of the same year, and has since been sold in China as well. In Japan, inventory sales of the 5th generation, which ended production at the end of August 2022, are still ongoing.

    Honda’s new CR-V also launched in the Mexican marketThe CR-V is a crossover SUV that was first introduced in 1995, and the current model is the 6th generation model, which made its world premiere in the U.S. on July 12, 2022.The sixth-generation model is also the model that has been announced for introduction to Mexico.

     Its exterior features sophisticated and powerful styling. The new horizontal lines emphasize the larger body, and the slightly longer wheelbase improves stability and gives the car an imposing presence.The A-pillars are positioned approximately 15 cm forward to achieve wider proportions and better visibility, and door-mounted side mirrors are newly adopted.At the front, a larger new grille and longer hood emphasize the refreshed styling, and LED lights are standard. It also features a slim, body-colored roof spoiler and 18- or 19-inch alloy wheels (depending on specifications).

     The interior features piano-like finishes on various elements of the cabin, including the dashboard and steering wheel, as well as leather seats and steering wheel for a luxurious feel. The interior has a modern and sporty impression in line with Honda’s new design concept.The instrument panel is designed with minimal lines to minimize reflections on the windshield. The metal honeycomb mesh along the dashboard, ventilation and climate control air intakes enhance both appearance and functionality, functionally keeping the cabin cool and elegant.

     The new front seats stabilize the body and provide a sporty, comfortable driving position that is less tiring on long journeys. Between the front seats is a center console with 9 liters of storage capacity, the largest in its class.In addition, the rear seats can be reclined in eight positions, providing more comfort and space.The powertrain will be powered by a DOHC 1.5-liter turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine with a maximum output of 188 hp and maximum torque of 177 lb/ft. This engine features an improved VTEC system for improved performance and reduced emissions. This is combined with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that has been improved to reduce noise and vibration.

     Body size is 4626 mm (overall length) x 1855 mm (overall width) x 1679 mm (overall height), equivalent to that of the Toyota Harrier. The wheelbase is 2660 mm.Three grades will be available in Mexico: the base grade “”Turbo,”” the “”Turbo Plus,”” which offers slightly more features and a choice of colors, and the “”Touring,”” which is the highest grade and fully equipped with Honda Sensing and other safety features.

     Prices start at 714,900 pesos (approximately 4,950,000 yen) for the Turbo, 769,900 pesos (approximately 5,330,000 yen) for the Turbo Plus, and 819,900 pesos (approximately 5,670,000 yen) for the Touring.As mentioned above, the new CR-V has been announced and released in the North American and Chinese markets in addition to Mexico, but no official announcement has been made regarding its introduction to the Japanese market.A representative of a Honda-affiliated sales company spoke about the matter as follows: “”Overseas, the new CR-V has been launched in the U.S. and China as well as Mexico.

    The new CR-V has been announced overseas. Some customers have asked us, ‘When will the next CR-V go on sale?’ Some customers have asked us, ‘When will the next CR-V go on sale?At the moment, the possibility of the new ZR-V entering the Japanese market is low, given the pending introduction of the new ZR-V in Japan and the CR-V’s sales performance to date.
    However, since the 5th generation, which was discontinued, was introduced two years after the overseas market, we cannot deny the possibility that it will be released in Japan a few years down the road.We can only hope that the new CR-V, with its refreshed design and much improved features, will be introduced in Japan.

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    Unleash the Thrill 5th-Gen Toyota Prius Roars into Japan Showcasing Unprecedented Driving Mastery

    Starting at 3.65 million yen! The new “Prius” with enhanced driving performance is unveiled in Japan! All cars are 4WD specification, and the driving performance is as good as a sports car?All cars are 4WD! New “Prius” with Canadian specifications Toyota’s Canadian subsidiary has announced that it will introduce the new Prius this winter. All new Prius models to be introduced to the Canadian market appear to be 4WD.

    Very sporty! The new Toyota Prius shines with a fearless faceThe new Toyota Prius will soon go on sale in Canada (image: U.S. version)The Prius was born in 1997 as the world’s first mass-produced hybrid car. Four generations of the Prius have been launched to date, selling a total of approximately 5.05 million units globally and popularizing the “”hybrid”” throughout the world.On November 16, 2022, the new Prius, the fifth generation, was unveiled in Japan. In addition to its strength of high environmental performance, the new Prius was developed with the aim of creating a car with “”a design that makes you fall in love at first sight”” and “”a driving experience that makes you fall in love with it.

     The exterior is modern and progressive in style. The roofline is 50 mm lower, the hip point 25 mm lower, and the overall width 22 mm wider than the previous generation model, giving it a sportier appearance.The grille is fitted with front grille shutters that optimize airflow and contribute to improved cooling and aerodynamic performance. Aerodynamic stabilization under the body panels is also provided to reduce drag and road noise.The interior, based on the “”Island Architecture”” concept, provides both a spacious, pressure-free interior and a cockpit feel that makes it easy to concentrate on driving. The interior is intuitive and enjoyable to drive.

     The powertrain of the new Prius unveiled in Canada is a hybrid system consisting of a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine and motor that delivers a maximum output of 196 hp, a 14% improvement over the previous generation model. This is combined with an electric continuously variable transmission.In Canada, all models are available with 4WD, and the 0-100 km/h acceleration time is approximately 7.2 seconds, which is as high performance as the Toyota 86. The fuel consumption in Canada is announced to be 4.8 L/100 km (approx. 20.8 km/L).

     The 4WD system installed is an electronically controlled on-demand AWD system similar to other Toyota hybrid vehicles such as the “”Highlander,”” “”RAV4,”” and “”Corolla. The system ensures traction on slippery road surfaces and excellent fuel economy. By driving the rear wheels with the motor, the system enables stable driving when starting off, driving on slippery surfaces, and cornering. Driving modes include NORMAL, in which the hybrid system delivers the ideal combination of fuel economy and acceleration performance; ECO, which improves the efficiency of the hybrid system by limiting output in response to light to moderate accelerator pedal input; SPORT, which enhances dynamic performance and acceleration; and SPORT”” mode, which enhances dynamic performance and acceleration, and “”EV mode,”” which allows the vehicle to be driven as a pure electric vehicle.Advanced safety features include Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 as standard equipment, lane departure warning with steering assist, and all-speed radar cruise control.

    In Canada, the base grade XLE AWD and this one are equipped with a 12.3-inch Toyota multimedia touchscreen, a JBL premium audio system with eight speakers, a glass roof, and ventilated heated seats. The XLE AWD is priced at $36,490 and the Limited AWD is priced at $42,990.In Canada, where snowfall is heavy in some areas, there seems to be limited grade development, such as AWD only. The new Prius is scheduled to be sold in Japan as well, but the price has not yet been announced in Japan, and we await further information.

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    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.

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    Toyota Prius Unleash the Thrilling Power 60% Boost in Performance Sets the 2023

    Just like a sports car! Toyota’s new “Prius” with revamped AWD system for improved stability! Starting at about 3,720,000 yen in the U.S.Increased Power and Fuel EconomyOn December 14, 2022, Toyota’s U.S. subsidiary announced that the new Prius (2023 model year) will go on sale in that market in January 2023.

    New interior with the center meter eliminated is so cool! Sporty new Toyota Prius looks cool! Toyota’s New “Prius” Revamped with Sleek Coupe StyleThe all-new Prius, now in its fifth generation, features a sports car-like exterior design with a sleek silhouette, low roofline, and smooth body panels. The interior design is clean and modern, and features an advanced 12.3-inch display and ambient lighting.The 2023 Prius also features a larger engine, with the U.S. version powered by a 2-liter engine. Improvements to the hybrid system have resulted in an increase in overall system output of over 60%. Output has increased to 196hp for AWD models and 194hp for FF models, while maximum torque has increased by approximately 16% from 120lb.ft to 139lb.ft for all models.

     FF and AWD drive systems are available. The AWD models feature an updated “”electronic on-demand AWD system”” that improves traction on slippery road surfaces and delivers excellent fuel economy. By driving the rear wheels with the motor, the system delivers stable driving performance when starting off, driving on slippery road surfaces, and assisting during cornering.
    The new Prius to be released in the U.S. will be available in three grades: LE, XLE, and Limited, with FWD and AWD versions of each grade.

     Six body colors are available: Cutting Edge, Guardian Gray, Midnight Black Metallic, Reservoir Blue, Supersonic Red, and Windchill Pearl.In addition, it will be equipped with the latest Connected System and Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 and other driver assistance systems.The new Prius will be priced between $27,450 and $35,865 in the U.S., or between 3.72 million and 4.86 million Japanese yen (as of December 15, 2022), and is expected to arrive at Toyota dealerships in the country in January 2023.

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    3 Key Factors Powering Nissan Note’s Remarkable Sales Success

    Toyota’s “surpassed” the Toyota group! Popularity “up” after 2 years of debut! Three Reasons for the Strong Sales of Nissan’s Note Reason #1 for strong sales: “Rival Trends”Nissan’s compact car “Note,” which debuted in December 2020, has seen sales pick up further in the second half of 2022 and is on track to overtake rivals such as Toyota.

     Three factors are said to be responsible for the Note’s strong performance, including the trend of rivals and delivery date issues.Sales on the upswing!” two years after debut Photos of the popular Nissan “Note” series Starting with the base model “Note,” the Nissan Note series features a diverse lineup [(left) Nissan “Note Aura” / (right) “Note”].The current third-generation Note was launched on December 23, 2020.

     In 2021, the year following its launch, it sold 90,177 units throughout the year (according to the Japan Automobile Dealers Association), earning it the fourth position in the annual registration ranking, behind the Toyota Yaris in first place, the Toyota Roomy in second place, and the Toyota Corolla in third place.And in the first half of 2022 (January to June), the second year of its debut, it will sell 56,948 units, maintaining its fourth place position. Up to this point, the pace is the same as the previous year.

     However, from the summer of 2022, sales of the Note will turn up.In July 2022, it moved up to third place in the monthly ranking; in August, it moved up one more place to second place; in September, it remained in second place; in October, it dropped to sixth place, but in November, it returned to second place.And then we noticed that, with one month left in December, sales of the Note reached 101,542 units in the 11 months from January to November 2022, surpassing the annual sales volume for 2021 as of November.

     Let us take another look at the reasons for this strong sales performance of the Note.First of all, the most noteworthy rival trend is that of the Loomie, a compact height wagon.It was No. 3 in the ranking in the first half of 2022 (January through June), but since August, it has dropped a position to No. 8, No. 9, No. 5, and No. 6 in the rankings. Clearly, the momentum has been slowing down.

     One possible reason for this slump may be the presence of the new Toyota Sienta, which underwent a full model change in September.The Roomy and Sienta are tall compacts with sliding doors on both sides.The Sienta is the slightly larger sibling, a minivan model with three rows of seats, which the Roomy does not have.The Roomy was introduced in November 2016, making it a long-selling model that has been on the market for six years.

     Its big brother, the Sienta, ranked fourth in November. It is expected that some of the Rumi customers have flowed to the new Sienta Toyota’s “surpassed” the Toyota group! Popularity “up” after 2 years of debut! Three Reasons for the Strong Sales of Nissan’s Note

    Reason #2 for the strong sales: “Unparalleled short delivery time!Another reason for the strong performance of the Note may be the “delivery time problem,” which has become increasingly serious in recent years.When we inquired about the delivery time of the Note to Nissan’s public relations department, they replied, “The time from order to factory shipment is approximately one to two months.

     Surprisingly, only one to two months is a surprisingly short time given the supply chain disruption and semiconductor shortage caused by the new Corona disaster.Amid the severe shortage of parts due to the Corona disaster and other factors, as of early December 2022, the Nissan “Note” can be delivered relatively earlier than other companies’ new models!

     Incidentally, what about the Note’s rival, Toyota’s hybrid compact car, the Aqua?Toyota’s official website lists an estimated delivery date for each model titled “List of Estimated Factory Shipment Dates Based on Production Delays.The estimated factory shipment time for the Aqua is “5 to 6 months (as of December 6).The Yaris is listed as “5 to 6 months / 4 months for the hybrid model,” and the Yaris Cross compact SUV as “6 months or more.

     The Corolla (Corolla sedan) is a little better, with “about 2 to 3 months / 4 to 5 months for the hybrid model,” and the Corolla Sport (5-door hatchback) “about 4 months / 5 months for the hybrid model.Unfortunately, the “Corolla Cross,” a compact SUV, is only listed as “Please contact the dealer for details,” and when it comes to the best-selling SUVs, the delivery date is undecided.And in the case of the Honda Fit, which is also a rival of the Note, the information on Honda’s official website says, “More than half a year for gasoline-powered cars / about half a year for hybrids (as of December 12, 2022)”.

     In other words, while its rivals generally have a delivery time of about six months, the Note takes one to two months to leave the factory, and even if there are subsequent deliveries and preparations for delivery, it will be in your hands in about three months.Some delay can be expected depending on grade and option selection, but in any case, the short delivery time will be a big advantage in current sales.
    Toyota’s “surpassed” the Toyota group! Popularity “up” after 2 years of debut! Three Reasons for the Strong Sales of Nissan’s NoteReason #3 for the strong sales: “Variety of product lineups”In the case of the Note, another major reason for its popularity is the abundance of its lineup.

    The Nissan “Note” series has a full lineup of custom models. The photo shows the SUV-like Note AUTECH Crossover (left) and the Note AUTECH (right), a custom car aimed at the premium sporty line.In the Note series, the high-end version “Note Aura” and the sporty version “Note Aura NISMO” will be added in August 2021.In addition, a custom version of the Note AUTECH and a crossover SUV-style custom car, the Note AUTECH CROSSOVER, are also available.

     The current Note’s lineup with different characters can be said to be a major feature of the current model.What is the sales breakdown of such a diverse lineup?According to Nissan, from October to November 2022, the standard-type Note accounted for 42% of total sales, while the Note Aura accounted for 40%, the Note Aura NISMO for 13%, the Note AUTECH for 2%, and the Note AUTECH CROSSOVER for 3%.

     We also asked Nissan about the reasons for the strong performance of the Note series.Nissan’s public relations department explained as follows: “The Note and Note Aura are equipped with the NISMO.

    The second-generation e-POWER, Nissan’s unique 100% electric powertrain that powers the Note and the Note Aura, provides driving pleasure with powerful acceleration, smooth deceleration, and excellent quietness, while its high level of safety, which earned it the highest rating of Five Star in the Japan National Car Assessment Program (JNCAP), is well received by many users. The car has been well received by many users.In addition, the lineup that meets a wide range of needs, including the Note Aura, which offers quality beyond its class, the sports-oriented Aura NISMO, and the crossover-type Note AUTECH CROSSOVER, has also been highly evaluated by users.

     In addition to the high quality of the products, the fact that the sales ratio of the Note and the Note Aura, which are in different price ranges, are almost equal, indicates that the abundance of variations to meet diverse demands is also a reason for the strong performance.

    NotebooksThere is one more point about the Note that I would like you to know.The previous generation (2nd generation) Note was ranked No. 1 in annual sales ranking among registered cars in 2018. This is an unqualified blockbuster.However, the previous generation Note debuted in September 2012.It was six years after its debut, after undergoing minor changes, that it became the No. 1 selling car of the year.

    In other words, the previous generation Note was such a long-lived model.The previous generation had a model life of approximately eight years before it underwent a full model change at the end of 2020.

     The current-generation Note, on the other hand, is only in its second year. It is still a new model, and further success is not out of the question.It will be interesting to see what the future holds for the Note, and how many years it will be before it becomes the number one selling car of the year.

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    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.

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    Unleash the Unstoppable Speed The Ferocious Toyota 86 GT STANCE That Blazes with Velocity

    The Toyota “86” that looks so fast! Harrier’s tail is adopted! What are the features of the “TOYOTA 86 GT STANCE” by students?
    TOYOTA 86 GT STANCE” to be unveiled at Tokyo Auto Salon Tokyo Auto Salon 2023 will be held at Makuhari Messe (Chiba Prefecture) from January 13 to 15, 2023.Every year, a variety of custom/tuning cars are exhibited. One of the most notable is the Nihon Automobile College, an automotive vocational school in Chiba Prefecture, which unveils unique custom cars.

     In the midst of all this, they will be displaying a flashy race version of the Toyota “86” at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2023, but what kind of car is it? This is the fastest 86 on public roads! Mysterious Black Machine Production! See the actual wide and low GT car! TOYOTA86 GT STANCE” with headlights from Toyota’s first generation Mirai (Image: NATS Channel by ROADSHOW) At the Nihon Automobile College, which has exhibited at the Tokyo Auto Salon since 1997, annual students in the customization course build a custom car as part of their annual assignment.

     In the past, several custom cars have been exhibited each year, and at Tokyo Auto Salon 2022, a “”Century Limousine” exceeding 6 meters in length was unveiled. It became a topic of conversation when Toyota President Akio Toyoda, who visited the booth, commented, “”This is amazing.

     The “TOYOTA86 GT STANCE” is a custom car based on the 86.This is inspired by the concept car of a racing-only vehicle that was unveiled for the first time in the world by TOYOTA GAZOO Racing (hereafter TGR) at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2022.The GR GT3 Concept has body dimensions of 4590 mm (length) x 2040 mm (width) x 1140 mm (height) and a wheelbase of 2725 mm.

     At the time of its announcement, TGR explained, “”We are promoting a driver-first approach to car manufacturing, and we are proud to present an attractive car that customers of the GT3, the pinnacle of customer motorsports, would choose.The appearance of the TOYOTA86 GT STANCE will feature a headlight design that is reminiscent of the GR GT3 Concept, which was adapted from the Toyota “first generation Mirai”.

     In addition, the rear of the car features the horizontal taillights of the Toyota Harrier (current model), as well as a large diffuser and four mufflers on each side at the lower rear.Most strikingly, a large GT wing will sit in the trunk.The student who was in charge of the project had the following to say about the background of this project: “A GT car is not a car that can be driven on public roads.

    The GT machine cannot be driven on public roads, but we wanted to make a GT machine that conforms to safety standards so that it can be driven on public roads. This is a public road-accessible version of the GT3 concept car that was exhibited by TOYOTA GAZOO Racing at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2022. The silhouette of the car is a tribute to the GT3, with some original elements thrown in.

     The following is a description of the challenges involved in creating the car.The front end was extended to create a long-nose silhouette, and the layout in the engine compartment had to be changed accordingly. In addition, the front pipe frame, piping, and harness extensions were all new to us, which was also a challenge.

     In addition, the base car “86 (DBA-ZN6)” was prepared and manufactured as a joint industry-university project with the local Toyota Corolla Chiba. In addition, we are aiming to complete the production with the support of many after-parts and custom parts manufacturers.

     The response to the TOYOTA86 GT STANCE from users has been overwhelmingly positive, with comments such as “I can’t wait to see it when it’s finished,” and “It’s so cool! I guess taste is the key to customization,” and “Using parts from Mirai and Harrier, your taste is amazing! These are just a few of the comments that were heard.

     Basically, these custom cars were completed by students enrolled in the customization course over a period of about a year in preparation for the Tokyo Auto Salon, with the final goal of obtaining a license plate number so they can be driven on public roads.We will be watching the Japan Automobile College booth at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2023 to see how the “GT cars that can be driven on public roads” will be unveiled.

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    Toyota C-HR wows the world with the 10,000th milestone of the sensational Prologue reveal

    Toyota unveils the world premiere of the new C-HR Prologue! HV & PHEV lineup with hammerhead face! Aggressive design unveiled in Europe! Coming within a few years? Toyota unveils the world premiere of the new C-HR’s prologue design! On December 5, 2022, Toyota’s European subsidiary (Toyota Motor Europe) unveiled the world premiere of the C-HR prologue, which will be the next-generation C-HR. This is the next generation “”C-HR””! Aggressive design “”Hammerhead”” adopted! See the actual car coming within a few years!

    This is cool! The new “”C-HR prologue,”” a concept model of the next-generation “”C-HR”” unveiled for the first time in the world by Toyota Europe.At the 2014 Paris Motor Show, Toyota announced the C-HR Concept, signaling its intention to launch a new vehicle genre.A little more than two years later, the concept has been introduced as the C-HR, a new car in the C-segment.
    In 2022, the challenge for the C-HR was to find a way to take the C-HR’s characteristics of boldness, provocation, and fun to an even higher level.

     To achieve this goal, Toyota created the all-new C-HR Prologue, which has now been unveiled.The character lines of the C-HR PROLOG represent a subtle shift from sharp to fluid movement.We developed a precise, organic design language in which two seemingly opposing values change surface form and create flow. This high dynamic range emphasizes the contrast between fluidity and sharpness like never before.

     The front face, known as the Hammerhead, is created by a 3D architecture of interlocking shapes and bold lighting signatures.The front grille opening is smaller, the headlights are slimmer, and the design is more high-tech, giving the impression of a shark-like, sharply thrusting, ready to charge forward.The interlocking theme throughout the diamond-cut body also creates two shapes that emphasize the car’s presence.

     In addition, the large-diameter wheels and short overhangs give the car a better stance from all angles, enhancing its sportiness.Meanwhile, the interior is said to be more spacious and user-friendly.The C-HR Prologue’s body colors are Metal Silver and Recycled Carbon Black, with the introduction of a third color accent, Sulphur Color. This distinguished three-color option was envisioned from the very beginning of the project.The C-HR prologue development in Europe was created at ED2, Toyota’s European Design Development Center in the south of France, the creative hub that created the current Toyota C-HR.

     Lance Scott, Design Director of Toyota’s European Design Development, explains, “”Our mission is to create a car that is as good as it gets, and as good as it gets.Our mission was to dig deeper than ever before into the C-HR. We are really looking forward to bringing you the new Toyota C-HR.Toyota is committed to achieving carbon neutrality and offering a wide range of electrification options in the largest and most competitive segment of the European automotive market.Therefore, the new C-HR strengthens the lineup of Toyota’s electrification strategy, which includes a hybrid vehicle as well as a plug-in hybrid vehicle that uses batteries assembled in Europe.