Toyota’s popular luxury minivan, the Alphard, is expected to release its next model soon. Users are divided between wanting a more luxurious design and a more calm and composed one. The Alphard has been a top-selling minivan despite its high price, and its popularity has spread worldwide. The first model was released in 2002, and the current model was released in 2015 with a focus on luxury and grandeur.
The new Toyota Prius PHEV is a high-performance car with a range of options that can cost up to 5.11 million yen. It is equipped with a 2-liter plug-in hybrid system that combines a compact and high-capacity driving battery with a high-output driving motor. The system has a maximum output of 164 kW (223 PS) and can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 6.7 seconds. It also achieves low fuel consumption of 26.0 km/L for cars with 19-inch tires and 30.1 km/L for cars with 17-inch tires. With full options, the price of the new Prius PHEV can exceed 5 million yen.
Toyota has announced the release of a new model of their pickup truck, the “Hilux Box”, in Indonesia. The Hilux has a long history, with the first model debuting in 1968, and the current model being the 8th generation released in 2017. The “Box” model features a container attached to the back of the truck bed, with both regular and refrigerated options available. The regular container model measures 4930mm in length, 1800mm in width, and 2166mm in height, while the refrigerated container model is slightly larger at 5060mm in length, 1800mm in width, and 2300mm in height. The container’s capacity is around 665kg for the regular model and unmentioned for the refrigerated model.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
