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    “Japanese culture is amazing !” Nissan SUV “Hokusai Kicks” de flashy design specification will be unveiled for the first time at Haku Grand Prize work is made into a real car .

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “Japanese Culture is Amazing! Nissan SUV “”Hokusai Kix”” with flashy design debuts in Hakuba, Japan

    Design Combines “”Amaterasu,”” “”Kanagawa Okinami,”” and “”Cherry Blossoms””
    　On June 28, 2022, Nissan’s Brazilian subsidiary announced that Ricardo Munhos Santiago Junior, a student at the Mauá Institute of Technology in São Paulo, won the grand prize in the “”New Kicks Graphic Design Academy Contest.

    “”Japaneseness”” Explosion! Nissan SUV “”Hokusai Kicks”” is amazingly powerful! See the actual car and more.
    　The “”KIX”” is a fusion of three different aspects of Japanese culture: Amaterasu, the goddess of Japanese mythology; Kanagawa Okinonoura, a work by Hokusai Katsushika; and cherry blossoms, a symbol of Japan.

    What do “”KIX”” look like with “”Amaterasu,”” “”Kanagawa Okinamiura,”” and “”Sakura”” drawn on its body?

    　The aforementioned contest was open to university students, and the main criteria for evaluation were “”originality,”” “”creativity,”” and “”suitability for the contest theme.

    　The judging panel consisted of Nissan experts in the fields of design, marketing, and communications.

    　Commenting on the grand prize-winning artwork, John Surls of the judging team said, “”The winning artwork expresses various elements of Japanese culture in a smart way and with strong colors. The new KIX with this painting will have an impact (on the viewer)””.

    　Ricardo Munhos Santiago Juniors, the award-winning artist, described his work as follows.

    I have always loved Japanese culture and was very interested in it, so my first thought was to depict Japanese traditions and religion. I did a little more research, and that led me to ‘Amaterasu,’ which is represented by the sun on its side.

    The “”Kanagawa Okinamiura”” is a very famous work by Hokusai, and it is also the cover of an illustrated biography of Hokusai that I am reading right now.

    　And the cherry blossoms (depicted on the rear) are an image that everyone associates with Japan, with their beautiful pink blossoms.

    　The grand prize winning entry will be painted on the actual Kicks with the support of Nissan Latin America’s design studio team.

    　The actual car will be displayed at the Nissan booth at the Japan Festival in Sao Paulo from July 15 to 17, 2022.”

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    “New turbo” and “e-POWER” Morimori for the new SUV! Super cool Nissan new “Qashqai” released in Europe in September 2022 .

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “New SUV with “”New Turbo”” and “”e-POWER”” Molly Molly! Super Cool New Nissan “”Qashqai”” to be Launched in Europe in September 2022

    Newly developed 1.5-liter VC turbo + e-POWER delivers 190 hp maximum system output
    　On June 27, 2022, Nissan’s European division revealed the specifications and other details of the new Qashqai e-POWER SUV, which is scheduled to go on sale in Europe in September of the same year.

    Nissan fans are waiting for it! See 48 photos of the new Nissan Qashqai, the latest e-POWER SUV

    Nissan’s new Qashqai e-POWER SUV [European specifications, on sale in September 2022].

    　The new Qashqai e-POWER is the first e-POWER (e-POWER/series hybrid) model in Europe.

    　Body size is 4425 mm (length) x 1835 mm (width) x 1625 mm (height) with a wheelbase of 2665 mm.

    　Compared to the 3rd generation EXTRAIL (overall length 4690 mm x overall width 1820 mm x overall height 1740 mm, wheelbase 2705 mm), which is Nissan’s representative SUV, it is a bit smaller in size except for its width.

    　The exterior features an elongated and stylish silhouette and Nissan’s family face “”V-motion grille. The emblem is a new design that was first introduced on the Nissan Aria.

    　The e-POWER applies the motor control technology that Nissan has developed for the LEAF electric vehicle. The e-POWER uses the on-board engine exclusively for power generation, and the generated electricity is used to drive the vehicle efficiently with 100% motor drive.

    　The powertrain consists of a newly developed 1.5-liter 3-cylinder VC (variable compression ratio) turbo engine (156hp/250Nm), high-power battery, generator, inverter, and motor.

    　VC Turbo is Nissan’s proprietary engine technology that optimally varies the compression ratio in the range of 8:1 to 14:1; it was first used in 2018 in North America by Nissan’s luxury division Infiniti, but this is the first time it is used in the Qashqai.

    　The system seamlessly varies from high-compression, fuel-efficient driving to a low-compression state that provides instantaneous power, depending on gas pedal opening and battery power.

    　Maximum system output is 190 hp (140 kW) and maximum torque is 330 Nm, with 0-100 km/h acceleration in 7.9 seconds and a top speed of 170 km/h.

    　Catalog fuel economy in Europe is 5.3-5.4 L/100 km (WLTP mode fuel economy/per liter is approximately 18.5-18.9 km/L).

    　The new Qashqai e-POWER also features the “”e-Pedal Step,”” which allows one-pedal control of starting, acceleration, and deceleration by simply depressing the accelerator pedal for easy driving.

    　Braking of up to 0.2G can light the taillights and decelerate the vehicle to the creeping speed range.

    　The launch of the new Qashqai e-POWER in Japan has not yet been determined.”

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    Kazue Ito declares that he will “ride until he can no longer run” on his car, Cima, which is over 260,000 km! Report on the latest status of new car notebooks .

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “Kazue Ito declares that she will drive her beloved Cima with over 260,000 km until it stops running! She also reports on her new car, the Note.

    Kazue Ito Reports on Recent Status of Cima and Note
    　Actress Kazue Ito reports on the recent status of the cars she owns. In addition to the restored Nissan Seema, she also mentions the Note, which she purchased as a second car in 2021.

    Restored to as good as new! What is Mr. Ito’s beloved “”Seema””? See the shiny real car in pictures
    Nissan “”Cima,”” Kazue Ito’s favorite car.

    　In May, Kazue Ito drove her beloved Seema on a rainy day for the first time since restoring it. Although the accumulated mileage has exceeded 260,000 km at this point, she is enjoying comfortable driving after having a new air conditioner and other parts that were broken during the restoration.

    　Furthermore, on June 16, he took a picture of the fueling port of his clean Seima and posted it on his blog. Before the restoration, it was dirty and black, but now it is shining. The sticker stating “”Premium Unleaded”” is also new.

    　According to the blog, the Cima runs only 4 km per liter. Furthermore, the car tax is over 50,000 yen, but Mr. Ito intends to drive the car until he either returns his driver’s license or the Cima stops running.

    　While his love for the Sima remains unchanged, he also talks about the white “”Note e-POWER”” he purchased in 2021, which he says is also very dependable in terms of fuel economy and driving performance. It is mainly driven by his sister, and he posted on his blog on June 20 that he uses this car for long-distance travel and when on location for dramas.

    　According to Mr. Ito, “”It has sensors on all sides, so I haven’t had a scratch yet,”” and “”When I’m about to hit a bump when parking, it activates the brakes. After all, compared to the Seima, it has many new features.

    * * *

    　The Note e-POWER is the mainstay of Nissan’s lineup of compact cars, with the current third-generation model coming in 2020.

    　From the third generation, it has evolved into a hybrid-only vehicle, with only grades equipped with the e-POWER electric power unit sold. The sporty NISMO model “”Note Aura NISMO”” and a derivative of the crossover model “”Note AUTECH Crossover”” are also available.”

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    “Hidden Carokuro” with a discovery probability of “almost 0%”, actually exists in the Toyota SUV “Corolla Cross” !

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “The “”Hidden Karokuro,”” which has an “”almost 0%”” chance of being detected, is actually on the Toyota Corolla Cross SUV! What is the unexpected location of the mark?

    Introducing the 7 “”Hidden Corolla Cross Markers””
    　The Toyota Corolla Cross, the first SUV in the Corolla series, was launched on September 14, 2021. The lineup of this compact SUV combines urban and outdoor-inspired styling with high utility performance.

    What is the hidden Karokuro mark that you usually don’t have a chance to find? What is the hidden carrock mark? View in pictures

    　The Corolla Cross is said to have “”hidden Corolla Cross marks”” scattered throughout the vehicle. One of them is said to be incredibly difficult to find, but what kind of place is it?

    What are the hidden marks scattered throughout Toyota’s “”Corolla Cross””?

    　Toyota Corolla Hyogo, which operates 12 stores in Hyogo Prefecture, introduced seven hidden Corolla Cross marks on its store blog after the Corolla Cross was launched.

    　When I was able to find the marks, I was very happy,”” he recalls in his post.

    　The marks on the front side of the body include “”the lower part of the front window”” and “”the base of the inside of the front seat door.

    　There is also one on “”the quarter window on the left rear side of the body.

    　There are also abundant marks around the rear of the body, including three hidden Corolla cross marks on the sides of the taillights.

    　Incidentally, the hidden Corolla cross mark that seems to be the most difficult for ordinary users to find is engraved on the “”license plate mounting base”” in the center of the front mask.

    　It is hidden under the license plate, which is securely fastened with screws, and is likely to see the light of day only on very limited occasions.

    　A blog post by Toyota Corolla Hyogo recalls, “”The probability of finding it under the license plate is almost zero.

    * * *

    　Not only the Corolla Cross, but also the new models recently launched such as the new Honda Step Wagon and the new Nissan Sakura have the “”hidden mark,”” so it might be a good idea to look for it when you touch the actual car.”

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    What is the secret of the long-selling “X-TRAIL” 8 years after its debut of the popular SUV “Why continued to sell !”

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “Why has the popular SUV continued to sell well? What is the secret of the XTRAIL’s long-selling 8 years after its debut?
    6/27 (Mon.) 6:10

    The percentage of 4WD vehicles in successive generations of the Extrale has consistently accounted for 80% of the total.
    　There are a number of cars that you notice when you are walking or driving around town and you think to yourself, “”I see that a lot. One such example is the long-selling car that has been steadily and steadily increasing its sales volume and “”actually selling well.
    　
    　What are the secrets and attractions behind the birth of such long-sellers?
    　
    　We will focus on Nissan’s medium class SUV “”XTRAIL”” (T32, 3rd generation).

    “”The build quality is amazing!”” See 76 photos of Nissan’s popular Extrail SUVs from previous generations, which are full of tough gear.

    Nissan 3rd generation (T32) “”XTRAIL

    　Thinking back, successive generations of the Extrail are often seen both in the city and in the suburbs.

    　The first generation of the xtrail (T30 model) was launched in 2000 and gained popularity as an affordable sports four-wheel drive.

    　The exterior is a square design that evokes a toughness that would be well used in outdoor activities.

    　The first-generation XTRAIL was characterized by a somewhat classic ruggedness even at the time, but in combination with a commercial strategy that fully promoted “”tough gear,”” it was accepted as rather stylish and cool, and was a major factor in the creation of a large number of fans.

    　The second-generation (T31) XTRAIL, which underwent a full model change in 2007, evolved while utilizing the concept of the first-generation model, which was very popular.

    　However, the current model, the third generation, has undergone a complete change from the square and rugged design of the past to a more stylish silhouette that is more in line with modern Nissan vehicle design.

    　At the time of its announcement, some people, especially fans of the first- and second-generation Extrail, did not take a positive view of the change in line, but in fact, the third-generation xtrail is the best-selling model of all generations in terms of sales volume.

    　The sales volume of each generation of the XTRAIL in Japan is approximately 190,000 units for the first generation T30 model, 210,000 units for the second generation T31 model, and 340,000 units for the third generation T32 model (statistics through May 2022 / Nissan survey).

    　Although the length of the sales period, which lasted for more than eight years, was one of the reasons for the increase in volume, the rising popularity of SUVs in the world was also a tailwind for the increase in sales.

    　According to a Nissan representative, the largest percentage of buyers of the current model of the Extrail have switched from the xtrail rather than from other companies or purchased a new model.

    　Incidentally, the 4WD ratio is approximately 80%. The Extrail is also available with a 2WD (front-wheel drive) model, but this ratio has remained unchanged throughout the three generations, which is surprising.

    　Even though the design has changed for the third generation, the EXTRAIL’s original image of tough gear and usability has been carried over, which is probably why many previous users think, “”I can’t stay away from the four-wheel drive XTRAIL after all! Many of them may be thinking, “”I can’t leave the four-wheel-drive XTRAIL after all!

    I have experienced its charm myself.

    　I myself test-drove the current model of the Extrail to experience its appeal.

    　I mentioned earlier that the design of the current model has been modernized from the square and rugged design of the past, but the current design has a different kind of toughness, and I can see why people who seek “”tough gear”” would like it.

    　When I opened up the cargo area, I was surprised at how much space there was.

    　A three-row, seven-passenger model is also available (not available for the Hybrid), so you can choose the cargo space and number of passengers to suit your needs.

    　The five-seat model offers plenty of space for those who enjoy camping and winter sports without having to think about luggage capacity.

    　Moreover, the floor is made of resin, so it can be loaded without much care.
    Popular SUV “”Why did it keep selling? What is the secret of the XTRAIL’s long-selling 8 years after its debut?

    Driving, usability, and safety… The current XTRAIL was not lacking in all areas!
    　Climb into the driver’s seat and you’ll see it’s quite simple! The interior is more geared for heavy-duty use than a luxurious feel.

    　The test drive was the “”20Xi Leather Edition V Selection”” (2-row), priced at 3,256,000 yen including consumption tax.

    　For a price range in the 3 million yen range, the interior seems a bit simple, with many hard plastic parts rather than soft pads.

    　However, the fact that the interior can be easily wiped clean is typical of the Extrale. I thought this was a good product strategy.

    　The current xtrail is also available as a hybrid, but this time I drove the electronically controlled 4WD model equipped with a 2-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine.

    　There is a switch on the center console to switch between “”AUTO””, “”2WD””, and “”LOCK”” (for rough roads) driving modes.

    　When I drove the car on general roads and highways in 2WD mode at all times without driving off-road, the actual fuel consumption was around 15 km/L indicated on the fuel consumption meter. This is excellent fuel economy for an SUV of this size, and a hybrid is likely to increase fuel economy even more.

    Nissan 3rd generation (T32) “”XTRAIL

    　What surprised me more than anything else when I got in the car was how easy it was to drive.

    　When you get into the car, you can see a wide field of view as if it were a tall car.

    　With an overall length of 4690 mm x width of 1820 mm x height of 1740 mm (gasoline model, 4WD), it has a rather large body size, so I thought it would feel more cramped when driving around town, but it handles better than expected.

    　I heard that the first-generation XTRAIL was designed so that the four corners of the car were easily recognizable, and perhaps this was carried over to the third-generation model, as there were few occasions when I was conscious of its size.

    　The handling is not the racy type, but it is as natural as when driving a more compact SUV, and you can drive it without being overawed.

    　Even when driving on the highway, the engine’s torque is strong from low to medium speeds, allowing for smooth acceleration in any situation.

    　The XTRAIL has the “”Intelligent Engine Brake”” and “”Intelligent Trace Control”” systems, which use engine braking to adjust speed and brake control to make it easier to turn when going around curves.

    　With these systems in place to aid driving stability, I felt that the overall ease of driving was also a result of the fact that the car can be driven stably without bulging significantly when cornering.

    　Another important point is that since 2017, the car has also been equipped with the ProPilot advanced driver assistance system, which has made driving on highways much easier.

    　The current Extrale uses the so-called “”ProPilot 1.0,”” so it does not offer hands-free operation like the latest EV “”Aria,”” but it does offer tracking of the car in front and acceleration/braking/steering support, which is really useful when you are tired after a long drive or in traffic.

    * * *

    　The Extrail has a strong image of “”tough gear”” with its high 4WD performance and active use in off-road and outdoor activities, but after driving the current Extrail again, I have found that it is also very easy to use in everyday life. I realized that the secret of its popularity lies in the fact that it is also very easy to use in everyday life.

    　It has plenty of room for both people and luggage, maneuverability is good enough, 4WD performance is high, and fuel economy is not bad. ……

    　Even if you love the outdoors, not many people go camping or to the mountains or rivers every day.

    　After all, the ease of driving in town and on the highway, where you spend the most time driving, is very important. And when the time comes, 4WD performance is on full display!

    　Perhaps it is because it is a tough SUV that is shrewd in all directions that the current XTRAIL has been so popular.

    　The new XTRAIL, the 4th generation model, has already been announced overseas, and the 340,000 users of the current model must be waiting for the arrival of the new model.

    　When the new model is introduced in Japan, it is likely to be even more popular.”

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    Toyota RAV4 adopts digital cockpit … 2023 model announced in advance in Europe .

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV new technology will be introduced…Mitsubishi Motors booth image

    Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) will exhibit at the Automotive Engineering Exposition 2022 Nagoya to be held at Port Messe Nagoya from June 29 to July 1, and at the online exhibition to be held at Hybrid until July 5, introducing new technologies incorporated in the Outlander.

    Mitsubishi Motors will introduce the following technologies mounted on the Outlander: the eco-friendly Plug-in Hybrid EV (PHEV) system, the S-AWC integrated vehicle dynamics control system that provides safe, reliable and enjoyable driving, a new platform, and the first Mitsubishi Motors PHEV with three-row, seven-passenger seating capacity. packaging and advanced safety equipment.

    Mitsubishi Motors’ exhibits are in five categories: “”New Generation PHEV System,”” “”Integrated Vehicle Dynamics Control System S-AWC,”” “”Newly Developed Platform,”” “”Packaging,”” and “”Advanced Safety Equipment. At the real exhibition booths, visitors will be able to see actual vehicles and receive easy-to-understand explanations centered on technical posters and online explainers. At the online exhibition, in addition to explanatory videos of each technology, developers will deliver explanatory videos in which they talk about their thoughts through driving images and data. In addition, a digital PHEV system that can be freely rotated, enlarged, and reduced using 3D data of the PHEV system will be exhibited.

    PHEV components have been renewed to extend the EV cruising range from the previous model and improve EV-like acceleration. The output of the front and rear motors and drive battery has been increased by approximately 40% to expand the EV driving range. The front motor and generator have been optimized in terms of magnet layout and windings, and the latest technology has been introduced, including an oil cooling system with high cooling efficiency. The maximum output was significantly increased from 60kW to 85kW, and the maximum torque from 137Nm to 255Nm.

    The power drive unit that controls the front motor has a new voltage boosting function that increases the voltage supplied to the front motor, thereby increasing its driving power. The rear motor has a square cross-section coil on the stator side to increase the winding density, and the maximum output has been increased from 70kW to 100kW. The drive battery has been increased to a total capacity of 20kWh, and the equivalent EV driving range (equivalent EV range) is 87km (WLTC mode).

    In the transaxle, the strength and durability of the shaft and pinion of the differential gear have been improved in line with the higher output of the motor and engine. In addition, dedicated gears were installed in the power generation path to the generator and the drive path to the axle to optimize the gear ratios, resulting in both improved power generation efficiency and fuel economy. The gasoline tank capacity has also been increased, greatly extending the total cruising range for a combination of EV and hybrid driving.

    Integrated Vehicle Dynamics Control System “”S-AWC
    The control range of front/rear driving force distribution has been expanded by increasing the motor output. Driving performance has been greatly improved to cope with various weather conditions and road surfaces. A new brake AYC (Active Yaw Control) function has been added to the rear wheel side. This function reduces the braking force per tire and makes AYC more effective on slippery road surfaces. In addition, seven drive modes are available to select vehicle dynamics optimized for various road conditions and driving styles. The mode can be selected using a dial-type mode selector on the floor console.

    Newly developed platform
    The newly developed platform and the highly rigid “”RISE”” collision safety reinforced body realize a high level of safety and handling stability. Front body rigidity and torsional rigidity have been significantly increased, contributing greatly to improved handling stability. MMC’s first hot-stamped ultra-high tensile strength steel sheet (1470 MPa), which exceeds the strength of conventional steel sheet, is used around the cabin to create a highly resistant cabin structure with minimal deformation.

    Packaging that realizes Mitsubishi Motors’ first 3-row, 7-seat PHEV
    By integrating the rear motor and control unit, the floor space required for a third seat is secured, enabling a seven-seat layout. At the same time, the unit is mounted outside the cabin to shut out high-frequency noise and achieve a high level of quietness.

    Advanced safety equipment
    MI-PILOT (with Navi Link function), an advanced highway same-lane driving support function, is installed. This control, which integrates the radar cruise control system [ACC] and lane keeping assist function [LKA], supports driving by keeping the distance between vehicles and the center of the lane. In addition, the system recognizes speed signs and automatically switches speed settings. It also uses map information provided by the Navi Link function to automatically adjust the vehicle speed to an appropriate level at highway curves and junctions. Even in traffic jams, the system automatically starts up within approximately 30 seconds after stopping, thereby reducing fatigue during long-distance driving on expressways and in traffic jams. By coordinating information obtained from various sensors, the accuracy of driving support has been improved and the support functions expanded.

    KOKETSU Toshiya at DAYS
    EV/PHEV Special】Basic Knowledge”

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    In-vehicle stand for digital terminals … Released for Yaris by Beatsonic .

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “In-vehicle stand for digital devices…Beat Sonic launches for YarisSunday, June 26, 2022, 6:30 PM

    Beat Sonic, a manufacturer of car electronics and aftermarket parts, has launched a new digital terminal stand and set “”BSA44/45/46/47″” exclusively designed for TOYOTA Yaris. They are now available at the company’s online store as well as at car accessory stores and auto dealers nationwide.

    The main part of the stand body “”BSA44,”” which is also sold separately, has a structure that takes into consideration the position that does not interfere with Yaris’s visibility and operability. It is specially designed for installation in the tray under the display and can be firmly fixed with tool-free double-sided tape. The stand has two movable joints and a ball joint, allowing the replaceable holder to be adjusted freely.

    Three types of holders can be combined with the stand: a smartphone holder, a holder with wireless charging, and a tablet holder. Multiple holders can be used, such as a smartphone holder for the driver’s seat and a tablet holder for the passenger’s seat.

    The holder fixing part is an “”L-shaped hook”” system, which is compatible with the same standard products sold by the company, and can be purchased separately for replacement.

    Yaris stand “”BSA44″” (standalone)
    Yaris dedicated stand “”BSA45″” [Smartphone holder set
    Yaris Stand “”BSA46″” [Holder set with wireless charging
    Yaris Stand “”BSA47″” [Holder set for tablet
    Compatible car models: TOYOTA YARIS (KSP210, MXPA10, MXPA12, MXPA15, MXPH10, MXPH15, GXPA16 R2/2～)
    Prices are all open, ranging from 6380-9240 yen (tax included) at the company’s online store.”

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    Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV new technology will be introduced … Human and car technology 2022 Nagoya .

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “Toyota RAV4 Adopts Digital Cockpit…2023 Model Year Preceded in EuropeJun 24, 2022, 10:15 AM

    On June 22, Toyota Motor Corporation’s European division announced the 2023 model of the RAV4 (Toyota RAV4) in Europe in advance. The interior has been significantly updated.

    The 2023 model will feature a large 12.3-inch TFT display in front of the driver. The display can be customized to the driver’s preference, including four different styles (casual, smart, sport, and tough) and three different layouts. Navigation information can also be displayed.

    The center of the dashboard features the latest multimedia system with a 10.5-inch high-definition color display. Together with the 12.3-inch TFT display in front of the driver, this creates a digital cockpit.”

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    Nissan Leaf refreshes interior and exterior … 2023 model released in the United States .

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “Nissan Leaf Refreshed Inside and Out…2023 Model Released in the U.S.
    Newly designed front grille and aluminum wheels

    Maximum cruising range of 341km per charge

    Fast charging takes 40-45 minutes to charge 80% of battery capacity

    Latest “”Pro Pilot

    2023 Nissan Leaf model year (US specs)
    On June 21, Nissan’s U.S. division launched the 2023 model year Nissan Leaf. The local base price is announced to be $27,800 (about 3,770,000 yen).

    ◆Newly designed front grille and aluminum wheels
    The 2023 model has a renewed exterior. The front has a newly designed grille and bumper molding, and the headlights have black inner finishers. The emblems reflect Nissan’s new design language and are now luminescent.

    In addition, the rear under-diffuser, rear spoiler, and tire deflectors have been reshaped to enhance aerodynamic performance. 2023 model year Leaf is now available in two versions: Leaf S and Leaf SV Plus. The higher grade Leaf SV Plus comes standard with newly designed 5-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels.

    The interior of the 2023 model will have a new Nissan emblem on the steering wheel. The display in the center of the instrument panel features a new start-up screen. Black moquette seats are standard on both grades. The Leaf S has a gray finisher, while the Leaf SV Plus has a gloss black finisher.

    ◆Up to 341km range on a single charge
    The Leaf S is equipped with a lithium-ion battery with a storage capacity of 40kWh and an electric motor with a maximum output of 147hp and maximum torque of 32.6kgm.

    The higher grade LEAF SV Plus is equipped with a large-capacity 60 kWh lithium-ion battery. As a result, the cruising range per charge is expected to increase up to 341km. The LEAF SV Plus will be equipped with an electric motor with a maximum output of 214hp. It is 45% more powerful than the Leaf S. The maximum torque draws 34.6 kgm.

    The 2023 model of LEAF is equipped with the “”e-Pedal”” as standard equipment. It enables one-pedal driving, which allows the driver to accelerate and decelerate using only the accelerator pedal.

    ◆Fast charging charges 80% of battery capacity in 40-45 minutes
    The 2023 model LEAF can charge 80% of its battery capacity in 40 to 45 minutes using the fast charging port. In addition, a portable charging cable that can be plugged into 120-volt and 240-volt outlets is also available, eliminating the need to install a Level 2 charger at home.

    The 2023 model year LEAF comes with a lithium-ion battery warranty that covers the battery pack for eight years from new car registration or 160,000km driven.

    The 2023 model year LEAF pursues a high-quality, spacious, and functional interior. The cabin is said to comfortably accommodate five passengers, with 60:40 split-folding rear seats. The rear trunk is designed to have ample luggage space and has a capacity of 850 liters with the second row seats folded down.

    ◆The latest “”ProPilot
    Apple’s CarPlay and Google’s AndroidAuto are equipped as standard. NissanConnect”” and “”Nissan Door to Door Navigation”” are available as options. In addition, “”NissanConnect EV”” and telematics services allow the driver to remotely start charging the vehicle and monitor the charging status. This enables the driver to recharge the battery and activate the heater and air conditioner before getting in the car.

    Standard equipment on the Leaf SV Plus is the latest “”ProPilot Assist”” advanced driver assistance system (ADAS). This comes with a hands-on driver assistance system that combines Nissan’s intelligent cruise control and steering assist technology with a stop-and-hold function that can bring the vehicle to a complete stop. In highway traffic jams, for example, the system can follow the vehicle in front of it, stop, and start driving as the vehicle in front starts up again, according to the company.”

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    Hiace and Alphard are targeted ! Popular cars are prone to “on-board aiming”! Security measures that can be done right now .

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “Hiace and Alphard are targeted! Popular cars are vulnerable to “”carjackings””! Crime prevention measures you can take now!

    Vehicle Thefts”” Concentrate on Popular Cars
    　Vehicle theft and vehicle theft-attempts, two major crimes related to cars, have been on the decline for the past 10 years.
    Is your car safe? What kind of car is most likely to be targeted?

    　This is thought to be a result of enhanced security and heightened awareness of crime prevention, but there are still some cars that are victims of theft.

    Beware of carjackers!

    　There have been reports of people breaking the windows and locks of cars parked in home parking lots and stealing valuables inside, as well as exterior parts, wheels, tires, and other items.

    　According to crime statistics released by the National Police Agency, there were 23,282 reported vehicle thefts in 2021, a decrease of 4,696 cases compared to the previous year (2020).

    　However, the simple calculation shows that 63.8 cases a day still occur, and it is still a crime in which people are likely to be victimized.

    　According to the results of the “”Survey on Automobile Theft Accidents”” conducted by the General Insurance Association of Japan for 21 non-life insurance companies, the number of insurance claims paid for vehicle theft decreased to 931 cases, but the average amount of compensation per case was 495,000 yen, which seems to be increasing year by year.

    　The top three areas with the highest number of damage reports are Osaka, Aichi, and Chiba prefectures.

    　Although this is a cumulative figure, 24.8% of the cases were reported in 2011 or earlier, and 7.4% in 2021, the latest model year, so even cars with the latest security systems cannot be too careful.

    　The most popular car models among those actually targeted were the Toyota Prius, Hiace, and Alphard, all of which are popular among new car buyers.

    　It seems that the more popular a car is, the more likely it is to be targeted by criminals, and the fact that parts of popular cars are also traded at high prices seems to have something to do with this.

    　In addition, there are reports that popular vehicles such as the Prius and Hiace, which have few security features, are more likely to be targeted as base grade vehicles.

    　What measures are being taken by car dealerships that pay attention not only to vehicle theft but also to vehicle theft? We interviewed Mr. N, owner of a used car dealership in Tokyo that mainly sells imported cars.

    We have a lot of used imported cars that are a bit geeky, so we don’t get much damage, but even so, we take security measures very seriously.

    　Vehicle theft is the most common type of damage in a store like ours, but we advise our customers to be very careful in the parking lot as well.””

    Hiace and Alphard are targeted! Popular cars are vulnerable to “”carjackings””! Crime prevention measures you can take now!

    A hassle-free way to prevent crime
    　A surprisingly common cause of car-jacking victims is said to be simple forgetting to lock the door. In some cases, people forget to lock their doors in a sense of security after returning home, and they become the victims of carjackings.

    Forgetting to lock the door makes it easy to become a carjacker.

    　Luggage and other valuables are the first things to be targeted by carjackers. It is important not to leave bags, small items, or loose change in the car.

    　Many people may also leave their ETC cards in the glove box, which is often installed inside the glove box. For safety reasons, we recommend that you always remove it when you get out of the car.

    　In other words, it is important to keep the car free of items to be stolen.

    　Although vibration-sensing anti-theft devices installed after the car may be effective, they are not as popular as expected because they may cause the alarm to sound inadvertently, according to Mr. N, manager of the used car store mentioned above.

    Nowadays, an increasing number of vehicles are equipped with factory-installed immobilizers, so it is a good idea to check before purchasing a car to see if it has an anti-theft device.””

    　Next, we asked Mr. F, a mechanic working at a maintenance shop in Saitama Prefecture, who has experience repairing vehicles that have been the victim of a vehicle theft.

    　What kind of damage do carjackers often encounter?

    Recently, there have been many thefts using the “”relay attack”” technique, which has been in the news for a while, but the classic case is still the breaking of side windows to unlock doors and ransacking.

    　Soft tops are still being cut off in convertible cars.

    　Until around the 2000s, there were also many thefts of exterior components such as fog lamps and roof racks that had been retrofitted, as well as car audio systems, but recently there have been reports of thefts of batteries.

    　Older cars, such as the recently booming neo-classics, have fewer anti-theft devices than newer cars, making them easy targets. It is important not to leave anything in the car that could be stolen.

    　Also, according to the F-mechanic, if you park your car in a parking lot with the front of the car facing away from people as much as possible, you can expect to have some effect in deterring thefts from your car.

    　In the case of preventing the theft of expensive motorcycles such as Harley Davidsons, it is better to park out of sight.

    It is important to make criminals think that “”this car (motorcycle) is difficult to target.

    The number of crimes has been increasing in recent years.

    　With the recent increase in the number of crimes, it is not always safe to drive around in your own premises or in a parking lot.

    　First of all, it is important not to leave anything of value in the car and to ensure that the car is locked.

    　More and more people are purchasing security cameras as security goods, and the recorded images can be useful as evidence against theft, car theft, and malicious pranks.

    　Although not a panacea, it can serve as a deterrent to a certain extent, so it may be effective to install a security camera prominently in a parking lot.”