Blog

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    YarisCross was released at the end of August 2020 and belongs to the compact car Yaris series

    ByChathura Chanuka

    Toyota’s popular SUVs “Yaris Cross” and “Corolla Cross” are in the same price range!? There are differences other than “design”! What are their respective features? Yaris Cross was released at the end of August 2020 and belongs to the compact car “Yaris” series. The platform adopts TNGA GA-B, which is the same as Yaris, and achieves agile handling and high-quality ride comfort. Corolla Cross, which claims to be in the lineage of “Corolla” that has been continuing since 1966, was released in mid-September 2021, about a year after Yaris Cross. Its platform adopts TNGA GA-C, which is one class higher than Yaris Cross. The body size of Yaris Cross is compact with a total length of 4180-4200mm x total width of 1765mm x total height of 1580-1590mm. The design keyword is “ENERGETIC SMART,” and the front that gives a vigorous impression and the horizontal axis that runs from the front to the rear express a powerful atmosphere. The rear enhances functionality with a square-shaped central part and a large back door, and the large fenders also give a robust impression. In addition, one of the features of Yaris Cross is that a two-tone color with black above the window can be selected. On the other hand, Corolla Cross is…[omitted]

    Toyota’s popular SUVs, the Yaris Cross and Corolla Cross, are priced similarly and have some differences apart from design and size. The Yaris Cross has a smaller cargo space of 390 liters, while the Corolla Cross boasts 487 liters, which can be expanded further by folding the rear seats. The Corolla Cross also has more space in the back seats and cargo area compared to the Yaris Cross. The Yaris Cross has a 1.5-liter 3-cylinder gasoline engine with a maximum output of 120 horsepower and 145Nm torque, while the Corolla Cross has a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine that produces 140 horsepower and 170Nm torque. Both models offer hybrid options with good fuel efficiency.

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    Suzuki has released a new 5-door version of the Jimny

    ByChathura Chanuka

    Suzuki has released a new 5-door version of the Jimny, which has been eagerly anticipated by owners of the previous 3-door model. The Jimny is a unique vehicle that combines the size of a light car with the capabilities of a full-fledged 4-wheel drive. The new model was unveiled at a motor show in India in January 2023 and has already generated a lot of interest in Japan. The longer wheelbase of the new model is expected to improve stability and reduce bouncing, making it more suitable for high-speed driving. The convenience of having five doors instead of three is also seen as a major improvement. Although the release date in Japan is still uncertain, many people are excited about the new model.

    Suzuki has released a new 5-door version of the Jimny, which has left owners of the 3-door model eager to learn more about the differences. The new Jimny is longer, with a stretched wheelbase, and has a larger luggage space of 331 litres. It is powered by the same 1.5-litre engine as the Jimny Sierra and has a 4WD system. The front bumper is designed to cope with angles of up to 36 degrees, making it highly capable off-road. The compact SUV market is fiercely competitive, but the Jimny’s popularity is expected to continue with the release of this new model.

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    Suzuki has released a new special edition of the compact 4WD Jimny called Jimny Heritage in Australia

    ByChathura Chanuka

    Suzuki has released a new special edition of the compact 4WD “Jimny” called “Jimny Heritage” in Australia. The Jimny series is popular worldwide and includes the Jimny Sierra, which is based on the original 800cc Jimny 8. The current model of the Jimny, which was released in 2018, remains popular, and there is a long waiting list for orders. The Jimny Heritage is a limited edition model that pays tribute to the history of the Jimny’s 4×4 capabilities in the 70s, 80s, and 90s.

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    Suzuki’s new top-of-the-line SUV is here

    ByChathura Chanuka

    Suzuki’s new “top-of-the-line SUV” is here! Hot on the heels of the new Toyota “Yaris Cross” sized “Grand Vitara”! What are the chances of its introduction in Japan?

    What is the new “Grand Vitara” that attracted attention at the Indonesia International Motor Show?
    　On February 16, 2023, Suzuki’s Indonesian subsidiary unveiled and launched the new Grand Vitara at the Indonesia International Motor Show (IIMS) 2023, and announced that it received four IIMS Award 2023 at the same exhibition.

    Would you like to see it appear in Japan? Suzuki’s top-of-the-line SUV, the Grand Vitara,

    　What kind of car is the new Grand Vitara?

    The new Suzuki Grand Vitara, winner of several awards

    　The Grand Vitara is the highest-end SUV among Suzuki’s vehicles in Indonesia; its first and second generation models were sold in Japan as the Escudo.

    　The current model, the third-generation Grand Vitara, is a new model developed based on the collaboration between Suzuki and Toyota and started production in India in the summer of 2022, and is not available in Japan as of February 2023.

    　In the Indian market, the “Urban Cruiser High Rider” is being developed as Toyota’s version of the model.

    　The Indonesian version of the new Grand Vitara announced this time will be equipped with Suzuki’s Smart Hybrid (SHVS). The model is positioned in the medium sport utility vehicle (MSUV) segment in this market.

    　The body size is 4345 mm (length) x 1795 mm (width) x 1645 mm (height), which is similar in size to the Toyota Yaris Cross in terms of models sold in Japan.

    　The exterior is an elegant design befitting a top-of-the-line vehicle. The front face features three LED lamps, a chrome bar connecting the left and right lamps, and a polygonal grille to enhance its presence. The interior is designed for modern comfort and convenience.

    　The powertrain is a 1.5-liter inline 4-cylinder engine with maximum output of 103 HP and maximum torque of 136 Nm, mated to a mild hybrid system and a 6-speed AT.

    　In Indonesia, two versions of the model will be offered: the base grade “GL” and the “GX” with a luxurious interior specification such as leather-wrapped steering wheel. Prices are not disclosed on the official website, but in the Indian market, prices start at 1,045,000 Indian rupees (approximately 1,700,000 yen).

    　Harold, Suzuki’s Indonesian subsidiary, commented on the award as follows.

    This year we received several prestigious awards at IIMS 2023. These awards are proof that Suzuki has succeeded in attracting the attention of the general public.

    　This award will be a driving force for us at Suzuki to continue to build consumer confidence.”

    　Although no official announcement has been made regarding the introduction of the new Grand Vitara in Japan, the silhouettes of six battery-electric vehicles that Suzuki plans to introduce in Japan by FY2030 were revealed at the “Explanatory Meeting on Growth Strategy toward FY2030” held on February 7, 2023. Among the silhouettes of the six battery-electric vehicles to be introduced in Japan by FY2030, there was a car with features like the new Grand Vitara.

    　The possibility that a model similar to the Grand Vitara may appear in Japan in the future cannot be completely ruled out.

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    Toyota has announced the release of the new high-spec model of the hybrid car Prius PHEV

    ByChathura Chanuka

    Toyota has announced the release of the new high-spec model of the hybrid car, Prius PHEV, on March 15, 2023, which will be sold at a price of 4.6 million yen.
    The PHEV model will be available only in the Z grade and will feature a new 2-liter plug-in hybrid system with a maximum output of 223 horsepower and an acceleration of 0-100km in 6.7 seconds. The car also boasts low fuel consumption of 26.0km/L for 19-inch tire-equipped cars and 30.1km/L for 17-inch tire-equipped cars, as well as the ability to run almost entirely on electricity in everyday driving situations.

    The EV mode can run up to 87km for 19-inch cars and 105km for 17-inch cars. The PHEV model also includes features such as the HEV power supply mode and a solar power generation system that can generate enough power to cover a distance of 1250km per year. The announcement has received mixed reactions from users on social media.

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    Honda’s subsidiary Honda Performance Development unveiled a new model called the CR-V Hybrid Racer

    ByChathura Chanuka

    Honda’s subsidiary, Honda Performance Development, unveiled a new model called the CR-V Hybrid Racer,which is based on the North American version of the new CR-V SUV, at the end of February 2023. This car is designed for the IndyCar Series and has a powerful 2.2-liter V6 twin-turbo engine combined with a motor and a six-speed Xtrac transmission, producing about 800 horsepower. The hybrid car has a Spartan racing interior with full bucket seats and racing steering. In Japan, Honda plans to introduce a new FCEV in 2024.

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    Toyota’s popular luxury minivan the Alphard is rumored to be getting a new model soon

    ByChathura Chanuka

    Toyota’s popular luxury minivan, the Alphard, is rumored to be getting a new model soon as the current third-generation model has been out for eight years.

    A YouTuber named “Jimcoza” has released an image of their predicted exterior design for the upcoming Alphard, which features a simpler and more advanced look. The Alphard has consistently been a top-selling minivan despite its high price point, with even entry-level models costing over 3.5 million yen. The current model was introduced in 2015 and has evolved into a more luxurious vehicle with a focus on grandeur. With the current model reaching its eighth year in 2023, many are speculating that the next-generation Alphard will be unveiled soon.

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    The Toyota Hiace is now synonymous with van-controlled campers

    ByChathura Chanuka

    How much does the Toyota “Hiace Camper” cost per year? We asked a real owner about the maintenance cost!

    How much is the maintenance cost of VANCON?　We asked the owner directly!
    　As the popularity of outdoor activities has skyrocketed in recent years, overnight stays and campervans have been attracting a great deal of attention.
    　
    　Among these, bancons boast a high share of the camper market, but what are the actual maintenance costs of a bancon?

    Are there various specifications? See actual Hiace camper vehicles!

    The Toyota “Hiace” is now synonymous with van-controlled campers, but what are the actual maintenance costs?

    　There are two types of camper types: “cab conversion (cab-con),” in which a truck or other vehicle is equipped with living space in its bed, and “van conversion (van-con),” in which the interior of a commercial van or minivan is furnished with furniture and bedding.

    　There are also “mini-campers” based on easy-to-manage mini-cars, and camping trailers that can be towed by your own car.

    　In the camper market, van-con campers based on the Toyota Hiace and Nissan Caravan are particularly popular, but some users are concerned about maintenance costs.

    　While some users are attracted to the appeal of VANCONs and are considering purchasing one, many others are concerned about the high maintenance costs associated with campervans.

    　So what are the maintenance costs of actually owning a VANCON?

    　For the purposes of this article, we assume that there are five items that must be paid when owning a vehicle: taxes, gasoline, voluntary insurance, maintenance, and vehicle inspections. This calculation does not include items that are likely to change depending on circumstances, such as parking lot fees and loan repayment costs.

    　The first payment that must be made is the automobile tax. Since most vans are classified as special-purpose vehicles with a license plate 8, this is 24,600 yen per year. This is a lower tax amount than that of a regular 3 license plate van.

    　The following optional insurance policy uses as a guide the six grades that apply when the insurance is purchased for the first time.

    　The base vehicle will be a 2023 Toyota Hiace Super GL 2800 with an annual mileage of less than 5,000 km.

    　Other conditions are that the age of the named insured is 40, the color of the driver’s license is blue, and the only person covered by the guarantee is the insured who fills in the form, the annual voluntary insurance premium is approximately 50,000 yen.

    　As for the next gasoline cost, let us first assume that the car is owned as a second car for pleasure and that it is driven 300 km round trip once a month.

    　The fuel consumption of the Hiace is 12.4 km/L in WLTC mode, so assuming that the price of diesel fuel is 150 yen/L, the annual cost is approximately 44,000 yen.

    　So far, it can be said that there is not much difference from the base model, but are there any costs incurred because it is a van-controlled vehicle?

    　A man who actually owns a van-con based on the Hiace says the following about this point: “As for maintenance and inspection costs, they are the same.

    Although the interior of the vehicle is designed as a camper, the basic structure of the vehicle is the same, so there are no special costs involved.

    　On the other hand, there are maintenance and upkeep costs for the interior.

    　Compared to a regular car, a van-con is equipped with a refrigerator, lithium-ion battery, air conditioner, etc. separately.

    　I would estimate about 100,000 yen per year for their replacement and maintenance costs.

    　VANCONs have been attracting attention amid the recent outdoor boom, and it seems that not only are they as easy to handle as regular cars, but their maintenance costs are also not significantly different, which is a major factor in their popularity.

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    The shocking Suzuki Jimny Truck is real

    ByChathura Chanuka

    I want this!” The shocking Suzuki “Jimmy Truck” is real! In addition to the 5-door version, a pickup version with a cargo bed is available at NZ dealers.

    Truck version exists in addition to the 5-door!
    　The Suzuki Jimny series of compact four-wheel drive vehicles has been sold in 199 countries and has sold a total of more than 300,000 units since its introduction in 1970.
    　
    　The “truck version” of the Jimny, which has a cargo bed in the back, is being sold by a Suzuki dealer in New Zealand, and has become a hot topic on social networking sites.

    Actually, it exists! Shocking “Jimny Truck” with rear disconnection .

    A “Jimny Flat Deck” for sale by a New Zealand Suzuki dealer.

    　The current Jimny is the fourth generation model, introduced in 2018. Both the regular minicar model and the smaller Jimny Sierra model with an enlarged body and 1.5-liter engine are both available as three-door models.

    　In addition to round headlights and an edgy square exterior, safety performance has been improved by offering Suzuki Safety Support, an advanced driving support system.

    　A long-body 5-door model was introduced at the Auto Expo 2023 held in India in January 2023. Since there were many requests for that configuration, it became a major topic of conversation on social networking sites when it was unveiled to the public.

    　In addition, the “Jimny Sierra Pickup Style,” a pickup truck based on the Jimny Sierra, was displayed at the Suzuki booth at the 2019 Tokyo Auto Salon.

    　At that time, too, many people said, “I want one! I want it!” and “Make it commercially available! and “Make it commercially available!

    　Thus, it seems that there is a demand for various variations of the Jimny other than the regular 3-door model.

    　In this situation, Suzuki dealers in New Zealand are selling the Jimny Flat Deck, a pickup truck based on the Jimny Sierra (JB74), created by Cowper Trucks, a company that handles custom trucks and other products.

    　On the exterior, the wheelbase was extended by 8 inches, the rear of the Sierra doors and beyond were cut cleanly, and only the front seats were changed to a single cab version. Even the rain gutter moldings, which would have been difficult to do, have been cleaned up.

    　A “half-back” version with no change in wheelbase is also available, giving customers a choice of two types of practical cargo beds.

    　Various comments about the Jimny Flat Deck have been posted on social networking sites.

    The comments on social networking sites were “This is interesting. I’ve seen a Sierra with the rear of a (light truck) Cali in a magazine, but this is nice too…” “I want to order a Sierra and buy a light truck too, so I want this! Some users seem to appreciate the fact that it is being handled by an authorized dealer and that it is boldly cut yet beautifully finished.

    　Although not officially sold in Japan, Jimny pickups are also being made in Japan.

    　Neosteel in Kumamoto Prefecture and Kohei Factory in Shizuoka Prefecture have built light trucks based on the previous generation (JB23).

    　Neosteel’s Jimny pickup has typical agricultural specifications and was created in response to requests from local farmers who wanted to farm with a cool car.

    　On the other hand, the Kohei Factory’s Jimny truck has a design reminiscent of the once famous Suzuki “Mighty Boy.

    　It is a vehicle that can be driven in fashion rather than as a practical vehicle.

    　The current Jimny has been requested in a variety of body types, and in addition to the Indian 5-door, a pickup version also exists overseas, and it seems that there are many models overseas that Japanese Jimny fans would also like to see appear.