kuruma

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    Suzuki’s new “Jimny 5-door” will finally be announced in early 2023. What is the truth about the rumored “long body & hybrid”? Japan’s shortest introduction is 2024?

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “Suzuki’s new “”Jimny 5-door”” to be unveiled in early 2011? What is the truth behind the rumored “”long body and hybrid””? The earliest introduction in Japan is 2024?

    Hybrid also available? Jimny Long is finally nearing its debut!
    　While the Jimny continues to have long delivery times in Japan, we are receiving information from overseas about road tests of the Jimny 5-door and 3-door Long.
    　
    　The current JB64 & 74 made its world debut about 6 months after the road test started to be scooped, so we believe that the long model will be unveiled soon.

    Jimny “”5-door”” will look like this? See the too cool appearance of the long version in the past.

    Is the rumored “”Jimny 5-door”” or “”3-door long”” finally becoming a reality? Announced in early 2023? Japan in 2024 at the earliest?

    　This time, however, it seems to be a little different from the JB64 & 74.

    　To begin with, the long version of the Jimny Sierra will be delivered to the Indian Army ahead of the civilian version.

    　The schedule seems to have been shifted due to the Corona disaster, but the first deliveries are expected to be completed by the end of 2022.

    　Perhaps in anticipation of this, Maruti Suzuki India will launch the Jimny 5-door for the domestic market in late January 2023, according to most of the local media.

    　The local model name is likely to follow the “”Gypsy”” after the older, longer model.

    　Now, over the past few years, we have received various information from abroad that the long version of the Jimny Sierra will be prepared in three-door long and five-door versions. Besides, all kinds of users have produced and posted their own projected renderings.

    　The Indian media has predicted that only the 5-door will be sold in India, while the 3-door is destined for the UK and other European markets.

    　However, given that the Gypsy used to be a 3-door long and that police vehicles are 3-doors, it may be sold in India as well.

    　The power unit to be installed will surely be a 1.5-liter inline 4-cylinder engine similar to that of the Jimny Sierra.

    　However, although the K15B engine has sufficient power specs for a short body, we have always wondered if it would be sufficient for users with a long body, or even for those who normally carry four passengers.

    　Although there is a variety of information from overseas, we believe that the 1.4-liter turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine from the Suzuki Escudo is a realistic option.

    　With specifications of 136 hp and 21.4 kg-m, this engine is superior to the 1.5-liter engine and is sure to make even a long body run smoothly.

    　Some media have reported that the hybrid system of the Escudo will be used, but I personally think that this is unlikely.

    　The basis for the prediction of adopting a hybrid system is probably the name of Jimny’s 4WD system.

    　In Japan, Jimny’s part-time 4WD does not have a name, but in India it is called “”All Grip Pro””.

    　The 4WD system of the Jimny in the UK also has the name “”All Grip””.

    　In Japan, All Grip is an electronically controlled full-time 4WD system used in the Escudo.

    　However, it is highly unlikely that the Jimny, which is known for its excellent performance over rough roads, will adopt full-time 4WD.

    　If it were to adopt all-grip (in Japan), it would also be difficult to install a low range sub-transfer.

    　It is also unlikely that they will develop something like Mitsubishi’s part time 4WD system with a full time 4WD mode just for the long model.

    　Furthermore, without full-time 4WD, it would be difficult to adopt a hybrid system.

    Finally, the new Suzuki “”Jimny 5-door”” will be announced in early 2011. What is the truth behind the rumored “”long body and hybrid””? The earliest introduction in Japan is 2024?

    When will it debut in Japan? 2024 at the earliest?
    　Incidentally, a close check of the scoop photos taken in Europe revealed no all-grip mode-switching related switches like the Escudo’s on the instrument panel or around the AT selector.

    　From this, it seems certain that the same 4WD system as before will be used.

    　In addition, a large 9-inch monitor audio system can be seen, and we can expect that a more operable one will be available as an option.

    　Among the information from overseas is the adoption of a monitoring system that visualizes 360-degree conditions around the vehicle and a 6-airbag system, which is quite possible.

    　The Jimny 5-door is already confirmed to be produced in India, but according to a source familiar with Suzuki, “”It will probably also be produced at the Mashar Suzuki plant in Hungary.

    The line that used to produce the SX4 S-Cross has been vacated, so it is reasonable to expect that a production line dedicated to the Jimny 5-door may be built here.

    　If and when the Jimny Sierra 5-door goes on sale in Japan, it may be imported from Hungary, just like the Escudo.

    In the UK, a right-hand-drive and two-seat version, the “”Jimmy Lite (LCV),”” is on sale.

    　Now, the Jimny 5-door, which is likely to debut in India in January 2023, is likely to be delayed in Japan for the time being.

    　One of the factors contributing to this is the long delivery time issue that has not been resolved. In the 23 wards of Tokyo, it has already taken more than two years to deliver the car, and even in earlier areas, it has taken more than seven months.

    The Jimny Sierra is manufactured at the Kosai Plant in Shizuoka Prefecture, but less than 30% of the total production is destined for Japan.

    　It is not surprising that the Jimny Sierra is not easily distributed in Japan. With the Sierra’s delivery date being more than a year away, if a 5-door model were to go on sale, it would inevitably draw boos from users who have been waiting for a long time.

    　Such opinions have been expressed by several industry insiders, with one arena store manager asserting, “”The 5-door model will not be released until at least 2024.

    　It seems that many Suzuki dealers have made it a condition that even if they have a contract for a Jimny or Jimny Sierra, they can switch to the 5-door model when it is introduced, and there could be some confusion if it is launched.

    　Temporarily, it is likely that some parallel importers of vehicles sold in India will appear in Japan, but they will be at a premium because of emissions inspections and other factors.

    　Many people must be thinking about purchasing a 5-door Jimny. We are still waiting to see when it will make its debut in Japan.

    Tomoki Yamazaki”

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    The “light Alphard” explodes with a glaring face! The new “Tanto Custom” also has a cool “another style”

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “The “”Light Alphard”” with a glamorous face and a sense of style! The new “”Tanto Custom”” has a cool “”other style

    Two colors available: plated and dark black plated
    　On October 3, 2022, Daihatsu released the facelifted Tanto Custom. Dealer options for the model are also available.

    The “”light Alphard”” has a new “”Giraffe”” face with an explosive sense of style! What does the new “”Tanto Custom”” look like in another style?

    　The “”Another Style Package”” is said to be a dealer-installed option, but what kind of appearance will it give?

    The new Tanto Custom with the “”Another Style Package

    　The “”Another Style Package”” for the new Tanto Custom is equipped with carefully selected chrome decorative parts to tastefully upgrade the powerful front face of the car.

    　The package delivers a cool style with a strong presence.

    　On the front, the front grille upper garnish and front bumper lower molding expresses a tightened look.

    　In the rear, back door garnishes and rear bumper lower garnishes are available to give a sophisticated impression to following vehicles.

    　The aforementioned parts are available in two colors, chrome and dark black chrome, to match with the body color or to suit your preference.

    　Incidentally, there is also a recommended set that offers a 30% discount if you purchase all the specified parts at once.

    * * * * * * * * *

    　The new Tanto Custom has been redesigned with a minor change, giving it a face so powerful that it even approaches that of the Toyota Alphard, a Japanese luxury minivan.

    　Check out the dealer options as well, and you may find a design that you like even more.

    Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)”

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    From “Corolla” to “Harrier”, “Changed!”

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “From “”Corolla”” to “”Harrier””, “”Change? What is the “”Full Color Liquid Crystal Display”” that Toyota’s latest cars are adopting all at once?

    Full-face LCD color meters are now available in four different tastes and three different layouts
    　Toyota has successively upgraded its major models: the Harrier on September 26, 2022, the Corolla on October 3, 2022, and the RAV4 on October 4, 2022. One of the new features common to all models is the “”meter.
    　
    　This section introduces the “”color LCD panel”” that has replaced the “”analog meter”” that used needles in the past.

    Image: Design changes can be made “”at will! Photos of the “”color meters”” used in the new Harrier and other models (42 photos)

    Two examples of the “”12.3-inch TFT Color Meter + Multi-information Display”” newly adopted in Toyota’s new Harrier and other models

    　The current Harrier, a popular luxury SUV, will be in its fourth generation when it is introduced in 2020.

    　The major news from the first partial improvement in two years is the addition of the Harrier PHEV, a new lineup equipped with a plug-in hybrid system, in addition to improved safety features.

    　The Corolla, Toyota’s leading mass-market car brand, was fully remodeled in June 2018, with the hatchback preceding it. The sedan and station wagon (Corolla Touring) are next, with the new model coming in September 2019.

    　This is the first major facelift in the three to four years since its debut, including changes to the powertrain lineup and the introduction of a new 1.5-liter engine.

    　The RAV4 underwent a full model change in April 2019, and the timing of the partial upgrade comes three and a half years after its full model change.

    　The RAV4 PHV plug-in hybrid vehicle, which had been an independent model, has been integrated to become a part of the RAV4 lineup, and the special edition Adventure “”OFFROAD package II The “”Adventure “”OFFROAD package II”””” is a special edition model with a greatly enhanced off-road image on the exterior.

    　A common improvement among the three models is the new 12.3-inch TFT color meter and multi-information display.

    　This upgrade from the conventional analog meter that uses the rotating needle as an indicator has resulted in a color LCD display over the entire surface of the meter, giving the impression of a more advanced image.

    　The panel design has four tastes: Casual, Smart, Tough, and Sporty, and three layouts are available, allowing the user to change the display to suit his or her preference.

    　The multi-information display, which consolidates information in the center of the meter, has been modified to display three types of information: left, center, and right, so that multiple information can be displayed at the same time.

    　According to Toyota’s official website, the basic layout is the same for all three models, but only the high-end Harrier model has a “”satin-plated meter ring”” around the meter that displays speed and other information to enhance the design.

    　It will be interesting to see if the 12.3-inch TFT color meter will be expanded to other models in the future.

    * * * *

    　In addition to the 12.3-inch TFT color meters, another improvement common to the three popular models is the improvement of the display audio system compatible with the connected navigation system.

    　The display audio system incorporates a large screen display and functions that are linked to smartphones and connected functions, and a navigation system can be added as an option.

    　Toyota first offered this feature when the current Corolla was introduced, and it has since been rolled out to various models.

    　The new Harrier has the same large 12.3-inch display as before some improvements, but with improved specifications.

    　In addition to the 8-inch display audio, the new Corolla has a new 10.5-inch Display Audio Plus (with in-car navigation function). This is larger than the previous maximum 9-inch display.

    　And the new RAV4 has likewise been expanded from the conventional maximum 9-inch display audio (additionally available at the time of partial improvement in 2020) to a larger 10.5-inch display.
    “

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    The red accent is really sporty! Honda New “Fit RS” Mugen “running system” custom is too cool!

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “The red accents are really sporty! Honda’s new “”Fit RS”” MUGEN’s “”driving”” custom is too cool!

    Low and wide aero parts are now available!
    　In conjunction with the launch of the new Honda Fit, which underwent minor changes on October 7, 2022, Mugen has developed a variety of parts. The parts will be released sequentially.

    Very sporty! View 31 images of the new Mugen Fit lowered with aero parts.

    New Honda Fit RS customized with Mugen parts

    　Based on the concept of “”LIFE IS SPORTS,”” Mugen parts for the new Fit are available in two types of aero parts: for the RS, which has been added as a sporty grade, and for the Basic, Home, and Luxe grades.

    　The RS version has red accents and a design that gives the impression of a “”commitment to driving.

    The “”Front Under Spoiler”” consists of a 3-piece center part (glossy red) and left and right parts (body color), and if the body color is red, the center part is black.

    The front grille garnish, which has a simple design but enhances the front face of the RS, is available in Premium Crystal Red Metallic for a sporty look or Berliner Black for a bold impression.

    　The side spoilers, which have a strong and wide shape to enhance the side view, are fitted with potting emblems in MUGEN’s corporate colors to accentuate the sportiness of the RS.

    　In addition, a powerful diffuser shape is adopted at the rear. Red accents have been added to the top of the spoiler to create a sense of unity with the front.

    　The lineup also includes 17-inch aluminum wheels with cutting surfaces placed around the periphery of the wheels and designed to give the vehicle a size larger than its inches.

    　Meanwhile, aero parts for the Basic, Home, and Luxe models are inspired by “”casual sports”” that add a sporty touch to everyday life.

    　The wide and low design of the “”Front Under Spoiler”” (painted in two-tone body color and glossy black) adds a wide impression to the front mask, expressing the sporty individuality that is typical of Mugen.

    Both spoilers have been lowered approximately 25mm to 55mm compared to the standard version.

    　Other new features include a front grille decal with a carbon-like design in three MUGEN corporate colors, side spoilers with a strong shape that tightens the entire body and gives the side view a sporty look, a diffuser-shaped rear spoiler that gives the rear view a simple yet sporty appearance, and a rear under spoiler with a carbon-like design in MUGEN’s corporate colors. Rear under spoilers”” and “”wing spoilers”” with a strong presence are available.

    　In addition to these, carbon parts that accentuate the vehicle’s sporty impression, such as the dry carbon “”carbon tailgate garnish”” and “”carbon door mirror cover,”” are available. The “”Sports Mat”” and “”Sports Luggage Mat,”” which are additionally available in “”red”” and “”red”” to match the colors of the aero parts, are items that can be installed on all models, making it possible to customize your own special Fit.

    　Prices (including consumption tax) start at 203,500 yen for the “”Styling Set for RS”” (front under spoiler + side spoiler + rear under spoiler) for the RS, and 163,500 yen for the Basic, Home and Luxe “”Styling Set”” (front under spoiler + side spoiler + rear under spoiler). (front under spoiler + side spoiler + rear under spoiler) start at 165,000 yen.”

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    LED fog shines on the black grill! Honda New “Fit RS” “Light” Custom Enhancement! Introducing genuine accessories!

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “Black grille and LED fogs shine! Honda’s new “”Fit RS”” has been enhanced with “”light”” customization! Genuine accessories are now available!

    Genuine accessories for the facelifted Fit are now available!
    　Honda Access, which handles genuine accessories for Honda vehicles, will release various parts for the Honda Fit minor change on October 7, 2022.

    Sporty black grille! New “”Fit RS”” interior and exterior illumination is quite flashy!

    New Honda Fit RS (with genuine accessories)

    　In addition to improved usability and a lineup of driving support items for interior/exterior items, genuine accessories are now available for each grade and usage scenario.

    　The facelift brings back the sporty “”RS”” grade for the first time in two and a half years. Newly added accessories for the RS grade of the current Fit include two types of LED fog lights (clear and yellow) that illuminate an area close to the car in inclement weather and make the car’s presence known to those around it.

    　The “”Pattern Projector,”” which illuminates the foot area with the FIT logo when the doors are opened and closed, and the “”Footlights,”” available in candle white or blue, are other illumination items that create a high-quality and gorgeous image.

    The Basic, Home, and Luxe grades feature a sharply accented front grille in Berliner Black and front, side, and rear lower skirts that give the vehicle a sporty silhouette.

    　In addition, “”LED fog lights”” for the Basic/Home grade are combined with “”fog light garnish”” with platinum chrome decoration on the lower grille area to create a high-quality front mask.

    　The “”Closter,”” an SUV-like grade, offers practical items such as an “”armrest console”” that enhances comfort during long-distance driving and “”LED tailgate lights”” that illuminate the luggage space when the tailgate is opened.

    　In addition, the Honda Tecmatic System, a driving aid for people with limb disabilities, and the Honda Franz System, a driving aid that allows people with disabilities in both upper limbs to operate the vehicle using only their legs, are also applicable to the minor-model changed Fit.

    　Prices (including consumption tax) for the RS start at 30,800 yen for the LED fog lights, 25,300 yen for the pattern projector, and 12,100 yen for the footlights.

    　The “”front grille”” exclusively for Basic/Home/Luxe starts at 27,500 yen, the “”lower skirt”” is 44,000 yen for the front and 35,200 yen for the rear, and the “”fog light garnish”” for Basic/Home is 11,000 yen.

    　Also, the Closter “”armrest console”” is 25,300 yen and the “”LED tailgate light”” is 11,000 yen.”

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    SUV appearance with “dark specification”! Mitsubishi “Outlander PHEV” improved and special specification car set at the same time .

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “The SUV with “”dark specs”” is here! Mitsubishi “”Outlander PHEV”” Upgraded with Special Edition

    Enhanced Connected Functions and a Special Edition Model in Black Also Released at the Same Time
    　Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) announced on October 6, 2022, the launch of the “”Outlander (Outlander PHEV),”” a crossover SUV, with additional connected functions and a wider range of body color variations, as well as a special edition “”BLACK Edition”” model. The company also announced the availability of a special edition “”BLACK Edition”” model.
    　
    　The BLACK Edition and the upgraded Outlander will go on sale on October 27.

    The “”Dark Edition”” is great! The Outlander, a fearless SUV with a strong presence

    Outlander PHEV Black Edition”” with “”dark”” appearance

    　The Outlander is a crossover SUV that has been on sale in Japan since 2005, and the current model, the third generation, was unveiled on October 28, 2021.

    　The design is based on a new concept called “”Bold Stride”” concept. It also adopts the “”Dynamic Shield”” identity of Mitsubishi vehicles, with a thick, horizontal design from front to rear.

    　The powertrain combines a 2.4-liter inline 4-cylinder engine with a motor that delivers 40% more power than the previous model and a large-capacity 20kWh drive battery, enabling the car to travel 87km in EV mode.

    　All models are 4WD, PHEV-only, and are available in 5- and 7-passenger configurations.

    　With the latest improvements, the “”MITSUBISHI CONNECT”” connected service enables the use of in-car Wi-Fi. In addition, the Connected Service App now allows the doors to be locked and unlocked from a distance.

    　Two new two-tone body colors, Red Diamond/Black Mica and Sterling Silver Metallic/Black Mica, are available for a total of 13 colors.

    　The special edition “”BLACK Edition”” is based on the mid-grade “”G”” model and features a black front grille, skid plates and door mirrors, and gloss black center and quarter pillars. The interior also features a black ceiling and exclusive shift panel.

    　In addition, exclusive 20-inch BuBlack aluminum alloys and the exclusive Titanium Gray Metallic/Black Mica color are available, and black accents on both the interior and exterior give the new Outlander a higher quality and more intrepid image.

    　The new Outlander’s price (including consumption tax) starts at 4,621,100 yen for the standard model. The special edition Black Edition is priced at 5,047,900 yen for the five-seater and 5,139,200 yen for the seven-seater.”

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    Honda adopts a new face in the new “Fit SUV”! New “Fit” released! How does it evolve with increased horsepower?

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “Honda’s new “”Fit SUV”” adopts a new face! The new “”Fit”” is now on sale! How is it evolving with more horsepower?

    Lots to see besides the new “”RS”” type setting
    　Honda released a minor-changed new model “”Fit”” on October 7, 2022.

    New “”Fit”” with a new face! More horsepower and more powerful! View in pictures

    　This is the first minor change for the current Fit, but what aspects have evolved?

    New “”Fit Closter”” with minor changes

    　The new Fit is available in five models: BASIC, HOME, LUXE, CROSSTAR, and RS.

    　The shape of the front nose has been changed for a cleaner appearance, the upper grille has been raised, and the HOME and LUXE models have evolved a more elegant design with a chrome decorative line running horizontally above the grille.

    　The SUV-look CROSSTAR has silver-colored front, side, and rear garnishes that are exclusive to the exterior. The crossover-like appearance was further emphasized by making the design more Tough Gear-like.

    　The new sporty RS model features an exclusive front grille, front bumper, side sill garnish, rear bumper, rear spoiler, and aluminum wheels.

    　It is equipped with a special suspension for the RS, and is designed to provide both a high quality and exhilarating ride, as well as a fun-to-drive experience where the driver’s operation and the car’s behavior are pleasantly connected in various situations.

    　The e:HEV RS is exclusively equipped with a deceleration selector with four levels of deceleration force when the gas pedal is released and three drive mode switches (NORMAL, SPORT, and ECON).

    　Two powertrains are available: an e:HEV model (hybrid) and a gasoline model.

    　The e:HEV model achieves a maximum output of 123 hp by increasing the maximum motor output by 14 hp.

    　The gasoline model uses a 1.5-liter DOHC i-VTEC engine with a 0.2-liter larger displacement. Maximum output has also been increased by 20 hp to 118 hp.

    　The “”Honda SENSING”” driving safety support system, which is standard equipment on all model grades, includes Traffic Jam Assist (traffic jam driving support function) and Sudden Acceleration Control as new standard features in addition to the conventional functions. Blind spot information and reverse exit support have also been newly added and are available by type.

    　The price (including consumption tax) of the minor-changed new Fit is set at 1,997,600 yen for the e:HEV model and 1,592,800 yen for the gasoline model.

    　Now here is a quiz.

    　What is the name of the type of Fit that was sold from the launch of the current Fit in 2020 to the present?

    1] Spike

    2] Aria

    3. NES

    4] Mobilio

    The correct answer is [3] Ness.

    　The correct answer is [3] NESS.

    　The current Fit, NESS, which disappeared after a minor change, features mood-enhancing color coordination and highly water-repellent materials for the seat and instrument panel soft pad covers.

    　It was described as a light, fashionable type of fitness sport.”

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    American car style SUV new “Buddy” announced! Retro design based on Toyota “RAV4”! Renewal of safety and comfort functions and launch .

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “New American-style SUV “”Buddy”” Announced! Retro design based on Toyota’s RAV4! New safety and comfort features to be released!

    Mitsuoka to Launch Partially Revamped “”Buddy
    　October 7, 2022 – Mitsuoka will release a partially redesigned Buddy SUV on October 7, 2022.

    Retro & American designed “”Buddy”” is so cool! See its real car you’ll want!

    I can’t get enough of this design! Old American “”Buddy”” has been partially improved.

    　Launched on June 24, 2021, the Buddy is Mitsuka’s first model in the SUV category.

    　In the crowded SUV market, the development was promoted based on the concept of “”a buddy that can be driven smoothly and naturally.

    　Based on Toyota’s RAV4, it has an American-style appearance, with body dimensions of 4,730 mm (overall length) x 1,865 mm (overall width) x 1,685 mm (overall height).

    　The exterior features two vertical headlights and a large chrome front grille that give it a front face unlike any other Japanese SUV, while the rear design and some of the interior features have also been modified.

    　Two types of powertrains are available: a 2-liter gasoline engine and a 2.5-liter hybrid, with 2WD/4WD versions (electric 4WD for the hybrid).

    　At the time of the Buddy’s announcement, Mitsuoka said, “”The addition of a new SUV category that combines functionality and convenience to our existing lineup of classically designed Mitsuokas with a strong personal-use flavor will allow us to offer a free and playful lifestyle to an even greater number of people, just like Mitsuoka. We are proud to offer a free and playful lifestyle to more people than ever before,”” he said.

    　The Buddy has undergone a partial makeover this time around, with expanded advanced safety features and the addition of a recording function to the digital inner mirror.

    　In addition, the “”Display Audio”” and “”Multi-Information Display”” have been enlarged, and “”ETC2.0″”, “”TV (full-segment)””, and “”Communication Navigation”” are now standard equipment on all models.

    　In order to meet the demand, which greatly exceeded the originally planned production volume, the company has revised the production schedule and has adjusted the production system.

    We will continue to work to improve our production system.

    　The price of the partially improved Buddy ranges from 5,190,900 yen to 6,472,400 yen.”

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    “Glitter face” The ultimate in luxury minivans! “Alphard” is a makeover! 3 luxury custom minivans with a “Lexus” face .

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “The ultimate “”Gila Face”” luxury minivan! Alphard”” gets a makeover! 3 Customized Luxury Minivans with a “”Lexus”” look!

    Three Custom Cars that Responded Quickly to the Cries of “”I Want to Drive a Lexus Minivan in Japan! Three Custom Cars that Responded Quickly to the Voices of “”I Want to Drive a Lexus Minivan in Japan!
    　In April 2019, Lexus unveiled the world premiere of the new luxury minivan LM (LEXUS LM300h) for China and other Asian countries.
    　
    　Based on Toyota’s popular luxury minivan, the Alphard, the LM is an overly luxurious flagship model with its own unique awesomeness and even more upscale feel, but so far no plans have been announced for the LM’s sales in Japan.

    Can you tell the difference from the “”real thing””? The Lexus LM, an ultra-luxury minivan, and its custom model.

    　In the midst of all this, a custom model of the Alphard, given an LM-like design, is showing signs of being in vogue.

    In this issue, we present three striking “”Lexus”” face luxury custom minivans, with a focus on models exhibited at the custom car event Tokyo Auto Salon.

    The new “”LM”” (LEXUS LM300h) luxury minivan, which Lexus announced in April 2019 for China and other Asian markets, has not been announced for release in Japan as of October 2022.

    Genuine genuine parts installed! Work”” LM-style Alphard

    　Ltd., a wheel manufacturer, exhibited at its booth at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2022 in January 2022, a custom LM-style model based on the Alphard Hybrid’s top grade “”Executive Lounge.

    　The emblems, front bumper, and other parts were all transplanted from genuine LM parts, and the Lexus logo was applied to the door steps and other details.

    　In addition to the large-diameter Work wheels, the vehicle was lowered using the original ride-height adjustable suspension, and combined with Crest Magic’s aero system to give it an even more powerful stance.

    The “”Agere”” style is a surprise! The off-road spec LM can even “”stay in the car””!

    　Suzuki Complete (Outclass Cars Co., Ltd.), a company that sells customized models of Suzuki vehicles, exhibited a custom car with a lifted-up version of the luxury minivan Alphard at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2022 in January 2022, creating a stir at the venue.

    　The LM-style customization, including the spindle grille, is all one-off parts machined and painted black rather than decorated with chrome.

    　The front and rear bumper guards and over fenders, also in black, were added, and the combination of lifted up and off-road tires gave the vehicle a unique off-road look.

    　The roof is equipped with the popular roof tent, making it a vehicle that can be used for overnight stays.

    Two Lexus cars are connected! LM800T, a custom car created by NATS students

    　The “”LM800T”” is a custom car created for the Tokyo Auto Salon 2021 by the Nihon Automobile College (commonly known as “”NATS””), an automotive vocational school that attracts attention every year at the Tokyo Auto Salon venue with its unique ideas and technical capabilities.

    　The base of the LM800T is also an Alphard, but what is surprising is that it tows a trailer in the rear. This is a unique Lexus-style minivan with two cars connected to one another.

    　The towing vehicle is said to be an Alphard-like (LM-like) body molded on a trailer chassis for marine transportation and fitted with FRP.

    　The front spindle grille and other parts were originally made using parts for other Lexus models.

    　Unfortunately, the real event was canceled in 2021 due to the Corona disaster, and the LM800T became a phantom model, but in 2022, only the head car was exhibited at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2022 for over a year.

    Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)”

  • | |

    Great support for the one and only “feeling of size”! Toyota’s new “Corolla Cross” hybrid is “suspended!”

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “The one and only “”size”” that is immensely popular! Toyota’s new “”Corolla Cross”” Hybrid is “”Order Suspended! Long delivery time”” still lingers even after one year since its release

    One year since its launch! What do you think of the new Toyota Corolla Cross?
    　The Corolla Cross was added as a new SUV to Toyota’s 12th generation Corolla series on September 14, 2021.

    　The new Corolla Cross, a new addition to the Corolla series, has been on the market for about a year now, but what is the reaction from users?

    [Images] The rugged Toyota “”Corolla Cross”” custom car is cool! See the “”Love Cross”” specs and more in these 16 images.

    How is the new Toyota “”Corolla Cross”” after one year?

    　Since the first generation model was launched in 1966, the Corolla series has been sold in a wide variety of models based on “”plus-alpha”” that exceed the needs of users and times around the world.

    　For the current 12th generation model, the Corolla Sport (hatchback) was launched in June 2018, and the Corolla (sedan) and Corolla Touring (wagon) in September 2019.

    　In July 2020, the new Corolla Cross made its world premiere in Thailand, and has since been rolled out in various countries and regions.

    　In this context, the new Corolla Cross for Japan specifications, which was introduced on September 14, 2021, adopts a dynamic and refined exterior design typical of SUVs, based on the “”Urban Active”” design concept.

    　The body size is 4490 mm (overall length) x 1825 mm (overall width) x 1620 mm (overall height), which, in image, is somewhere between the C-HR and the RAV4.

    　In the interior, the new Corolla Cross offers a high level of visibility and ample headroom to ensure that every seat in the car is comfortable in all situations, from city driving to long drives.

    　What is the reaction of users to the new Corolla Cross?

    　Users who have taken delivery of the new Corolla Cross have commented, “”Cool! Just the right size! and “”It’s just the right size!

    　However, some users expressed concern about the size of the car, wondering if they would be able to get used to its larger-than-imagined width when they took delivery of it.

    　In addition to the ease of driving, such as “”comfortable ride”” and “”quiet,”” some users also commented on the fuel economy, saying that “”gasoline models are surprisingly fuel-efficient as well.

    　Thus, there were many comments from users who have taken delivery of their vehicles and are enjoying the “”Corolla Cross life.

    　On the other hand, September 2021, when the new Corolla Cross went on sale, was in the midst of the Corolla disaster, and also due to the shortage of semiconductors, which had a significant negative impact on car deliveries.

    　On social networking sites, there were users who ordered their cars in November 2021 and were scheduled to receive them in April 2022, but the delivery was further extended significantly, with some users finally receiving their cars in October.

    　Other users said they had to wait for 9 months for the delivery of their car. and “”I finally got my car after a long delivery period.

    　So what is the current status of the new Corolla Cross? A sales staff member at a Toyota dealership in Tokyo had the following to say.

    Due to the recent shortage of semiconductors, we have stopped taking orders for the hybrid model and are not accepting any more orders.

    　Delivery of gasoline models is scheduled for September or October 2023 at the earliest.

    　Similarly, Toyota dealers in Fukuoka Prefecture are also discontinuing orders for gasoline models with a delivery time of one to one and a half years, and hybrid models with a delivery time of one to one and a half years.

    　A sales staff member at a Toyota dealership in Yamanashi Prefecture said, “”We are planning to deliver both gasoline and hybrid models.

    Sales staff at a Toyota dealership in Yamanashi Prefecture also stated, “”At our dealership, orders for both gasoline and hybrid vehicles have been terminated since around May.

    　If we continue to accept orders for both gasoline and hybrid models, the delivery period will be extended and the model may have undergone a model change by the time the vehicle is delivered, which may cause inconvenience to customers who have taken the trouble to sign contracts.

    　As expected, we received many inquiries from customers at the time of the launch, but the situation has finally calmed down recently since we stopped accepting orders.

    * * * * * * * * * *

    　While some customers have enjoyed driving the new Corolla Cross since its safe delivery one year after its launch, many others are still waiting for the long delivery period due to the recent semiconductor shortage.

    　The impact of the semiconductor shortage remains to be seen, and the difficult situation of “”long delivery times”” is likely to continue.

    Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)”