A custom car maker in Osaka, ESB, has created a “shakotan” style version of the new Toyota Prius which has become popular on social media, with over one million views on TikTok. The modified Prius has been lowered to just 3cm from the ground and fitted with custom aero parts and white TC01 wheels. The modifications have been praised for giving the car a retro-futuristic look.
FULLFUNZ has announced the release of a new rooftop rack called “Tiny Hideout” designed specifically for the Suzuki Jimny and Toyota Hiace, as well as other vans. The rack comes with four built-in features: roof tent, side awning, ladder, and cargo space. It eliminates the need to pack and unpack camping gear for each trip, making it easier for anyone to go camping or take a road trip. The tent and awning can be set up quickly with just one touch, and the rack is easy to install and remove. The company claims that this is the first product in Japan to offer a side awning inside a rooftop rack.
The Toyota Alphard, a popular luxury minivan, is still in demand despite rumors of a new model being released soon. The current model was released in 2015 and has maintained its popularity, ranking 10th in new car sales in 2022. However, it is currently difficult to purchase a new Alphard as orders have been stopped and inventory is low. Many customers are inquiring about the release date of the new model, which is rumored to be released in the summer.
Toyota’s Alphard is still available for purchase, but rumors of a new model’s release are circulating. Customers are more interested in the release date than the details of the new model. Lexus will release its new LM model in 2023, which may affect Alphard sales, but there is little comparison between the two models. The price difference between the two models is expected to be significant, which will make them appeal to different user groups. The current Alphard is popular due to its high resale value.
Toyota’s commercial van, the “Hiace,” can be registered as a “passenger car” through a “structural change.” This modification allows for a more versatile use of the vehicle as a mini-van. The Hiace is known for its spacious interior and is used for a variety of purposes from work to outdoor leisure activities. While typically registered as a “commercial” vehicle, some dealerships offer the option to register it as a “passenger” vehicle through a structural change procedure. The higher-end “Super GL” model features a sturdy three-seater second row and improved interior design while maintaining high cargo capacity. This model is popular among families looking for a mini-van alternative. The official catalog lists the seating capacity for the 2-liter/2.7-liter gasoline and 2.8-liter diesel models as “2/5 people,” allowing for two front seat passengers and three back seat passengers in a two-row seating configuration.
Toyota’s commercial vehicle “Hiace” can be registered as a “passenger car”?! What are the benefits of using it as a minivan through “structural changes”? When a Hiace is registered as a passenger car, including those that have undergone structural changes during purchase, the frequency of vehicle inspections is changed to every 3 years for new cars and every 2 years for follow-up inspections, which is the same as for regular passenger cars. However, there is a big difference in the annual “automobile tax” that must be paid, with commercial vehicles being cheaper. For example, the annual automobile tax for a standard body 4-number 2-liter gasoline Hiace is 16,000 yen, while the same Hiace registered as a passenger car will be taxed based on its total displacement, resulting in an annual tax of 36,000 yen, which is 20,000 yen more expensive. Therefore, it is important to remember that while the frequency of vehicle inspections may decrease with structural changes to increase passenger capacity, the automobile tax will become more expensive.
Honda has unveiled and released a new version of the Fit in China, with two grades available: “Sports” and “CROSSTAR”. The Sports grade features a sporty exterior design inspired by the RS model, with three new body colors added. The CROSSTAR grade includes a new honeycomb front grille, black 16-inch wheels, and standard roof rails. Both grades are equipped with a 1.5-liter inline 4-cylinder engine that produces a maximum output of 123 horsepower and 145 Nm of torque, paired with a CVT transmission. The interior has a black and gray design with high-quality materials to enhance comfort and ride quality.
The Elgrand Royal Line, introduced by Nissan in 1998, is the original luxury minivan and shares the same concept as the LM. Like the LM, the Elgrand Royal Line has a luxurious interior and has been described as a parlor beyond first class. The Elgrand Royal Line, like the LM, has a luxurious interior and is considered to be a parlor above first class.
Toy Factory, a Toyota camper manufacturer, has launched three new packages for the HACO×HACO shelf unit for the Hiace (200 series) that allow for easier selection. This shelf unit is a series of detachable shelf units exclusively for the Hiace, which went on sale in March 2021. It is a box-shaped unit that can be easily assembled and detached without using tools, so no structural modification notification is required. The units can be freely combined according to the user’s application, and are available at Toy Factory dealers as well as at more than 400 Toyota dealers nationwide that have concluded an authorized dealer agreement. The model covered by the new model is the current-generation Hiace (200 series) Super GL standard and long body van.
Toyota’s RAV4 was almost like a concept car when it was released. Various events such as motor shows and auto salons around the world showcase concept cars, new models, and customized cars from various car manufacturers, attracting people’s attention. The Future Toyota Adventure Concept (FT-AC), an SUV concept car, was exhibited by Toyota at the Los Angeles Auto Show in 2017 and led to the 5th generation RAV4 released in 2018. The FT-AC was designed as a model targeting users who enjoy outdoor activities such as camping, river rafting, and mountain biking, proposing an active way to spend holidays. Its exterior features include a widened front grille and LED headlights that wrap around the side, emphasizing a powerful and bold SUV-style design with a long wheelbase and wide fenders with 20-inch wheels. It also expresses off-road drivability that makes various “adventures” possible by equipping underguards at the front and rear in addition to a high minimum ground clearance. The body color expresses an active outdoor feel with a contrast of two colors, vivid green and gray. The roof rack that carries necessary items for outdoor activities is equipped with LED lights that can be dimmed with a mobile device.
The delivery time for new cars is still long due to factors such as a shortage of semiconductors. The delivery time varies depending on the car model and sales company, but as of mid-April 2023, popular models such as the Toyota Prius have a delivery time of about 2 years for the G and Z models, and about 1 year for the plug-in hybrid Z model. Other Toyota models such as the Noah, Voxy, Crown Cross, Land Cruiser, Corolla Cross, and Yaris Cross have also experienced significant delays in delivery time. Nissan has stopped taking orders for the Fairlady Z and Ariya due to prolonged delivery times, while Honda’s Step Wagon, Civic, and ZR-V models require at least a year for delivery. The delivery time is affected by various conditions, including the needs of overseas markets where the car models are sold, and some models may stop taking orders in advance due to planned improvements.
Japanese car manufacturers have varying wait times for their vehicles. Toyota’s Prius has a wait time of about 2 years, but other small cars can be delivered in as little as 2 months. Suzuki’s Jimny and Jimny Sierra have wait times of over a year, but other small cars have relatively short wait times. Honda’s N-BOX can be delivered within 6 months, while Nissan’s Luke and Days have a wait time of about 4 months. Mitsubishi’s Delica Mini has a wait time of about 4 months, but may increase due to its popularity. Compact cars also have varying wait times, with Toyota’s Passo having a wait time of 2-3 months, while the Yaris and Aqua have a wait time of about 5 months. Honda’s Fit has a wait time of over 6 months, while Suzuki’s Escudo and Swift have a wait time of 4-5 months.
The new Lexus LM and Toyota Alphard are both luxury minivans, but what do users think? The new LM boasts an imposing body befitting a flagship minivan, with an overall length of +85 mm, an overall width of +40 mm, and an overall height of +10 mm greater than its predecessor. The exterior design has also been completely redesigned, adopting the “spindle body” design common to next-generation Lexus. The Alphard, on the other hand, is highly popular in Japan and continues to enjoy strong sales. Comparing the two, it is a matter of personal preference as to which one you want.
