kuruma

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    Paris lovers are irresistible! The compact SUV “DS3 Crossback” model with “Paris roof” is now available! What is the Paris element that shines everywhere .

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “A must-have for Paris lovers! The compact SUV “”DS3 Crossback”” has a “”Parisian Roof”” model! Parisian Elements Shine Everywhere!

    Exclusive “”Carat Gray”” Roof Color
    　On September 7, 2022, Sterantis Japan introduced the special edition “”TOIT DE PARIS BlueHDi”” to DS Automobile’s DS3 Crossback compact SUV.

    An elegant appearance that stirs up the desire to travel to Paris! View photos of the DS3 Crossback TOIT DE PARIS BlueHDi .

    DS Automobile “”DS3 Crossback TOIT DE PARIS BlueHDi

    　The name “”TOIT DE PARIS”” means “”Roof of Paris. It was inspired by the roofs of the apartments that form the beautiful cityscape of Paris.

    　The DS3 Crossback TOIT DE PARIS BlueHDi is based on the top grade “”OPERA”” and features an exclusive roof color, Carat Gray.

    　It also features exclusive 18-inch wheels and badges on both sides of the front nose and front doors.

    　These were designed in the motif of famous Parisian landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Ecole Militaire, Sacré Coeur Temple, and Montparnasse Tower.

    　The powertrain is a 1.5-liter “”BlueHDi”” clean diesel engine that delivers 130ps maximum output and 300Nm maximum torque, mated to an 8-speed AT.

    　Fuel economy is 21.0 km/L (WLTC mode), the top level in its class.

    　Two body colors are available: Crystal Pearl and Blanc Pearl Nacre. Prices (including consumption tax) range from 5,156,000 yen to 5,167,000 yen.”

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    Consecutive “Alphard face 3-row SUV” !New 5m class “Palisade” announced in China! From about 6.1 million yen.

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “New “”3-row SUV with Alphard face”” is unveiled in China! The new 5-meter class “”Palisade”” with a face like “”Ora”” was unveiled in China! Starting at about 6.1 million yen

    Different Grille Colors for Different Grades
    　Hyundai unveiled the new Palisade for the Chinese market at the Chengdu Motor Show 2022 on August 26, 2022. It will be introduced to China as an imported vehicle that will not be produced locally.

    5-meter class body with “”Alphard face””! See the new 3-row SUV “”Palisade”” (56 photos)

    Hyundai’s new “”Palisade”” for the Chinese market at the Chengdu Motor Show 2022

    　Palisade is a three-row SUV from Hyundai presented at the Los Angeles Motor Show 2018.

    　With a large body size of approximately 5 meters in length, a minor-changed model with a new front face was unveiled at the New York Motor Show 2022 in April 2022, and has also been successively launched in South Korea, Australia, and Indonesia.

    　The model unveiled at the Chengdu Motor Show 2022 is the one that adopts this new front face.

    　The front grille is a large type that extends to the lower grille section. The color of the grille changes depending on the grade: brown, black, or chrome.

    　The chrome front grille used on the highest grade has a presence that rivals that of the Toyota Alphard, a well-known luxury minivan.

    　The interior is equipped with a large 12.3-inch center display and a head-up display, as well as a number of advanced features such as remote smart parking assist, which allows the driver to move the vehicle forward or backward with a remote control key from outside the vehicle, and a choice of six- or seven-passenger seating.

    　The engine is a 3.5-liter V6 naturally aspirated engine mated to an 8-speed AT transmission. The drive system is selectable between 2WD and 4WD for the entry-level grade, and 4WD only for the other grades.

    　As a driving assist function, the “”Highway Drive Assist HDA-2″” can automatically move to the desired lane by turning the turn signal only within a specified speed range.

    　The price of the new Palisade in the Chinese market ranges from 300,800 yuan to 368,800 yuan (approximately 6.1 million yen to 7.47 million yen).

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

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    Mitsubishi launches new Outlander in China without PHEV!

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “Mitsubishi Launches New “”Outlander”” in China, but No PHEV! What is the “”BEV”” that Mitsubishi is focusing on in China?

    Around 12,000 Reservations Received in China
    　The third-generation Outlander, introduced in Japan in October 2021 exclusively as a PHEV model, has been highly acclaimed both in Japan and abroad as the flagship model of the Mitsubishi SUV lineup.

    PHEV-less and appearing in China! See the new Outlander SUV with unique specifications in 16 images.

    　The Outlander will make its debut in China in August 2022, and reservations began on August 26, and within a week the number of reservations had reached approximately 12,000, showing its popularity.

    The new Outlander handled by Guangqi Mitsubishi in China

    　The reservations are made before the official price is announced, using a method commonly known in China as “”blind revision. By paying a 99,000 RMB (approx. 2 million yen) deposit, Outlander customers can receive various preferential treatment, including priority delivery of the car.

    　What are the differences between the Outlander and the Japanese version of the third-generation Chinese Outlander that has just been announced?

    The Outlander, introduced in 2005 as the successor to the Airtrek, has undergone two model changes in the past 17 years. 2012 saw the introduction of the second-generation Outlander, the world’s first 4WD plug-in hybrid SUV, and the introduction of a PHEV model.

    　The ability to supply electricity from the car attracted a lot of attention, and the model was introduced for outdoor use by individuals and for use by companies and municipalities in case of disasters, making it the best-selling PHEV model overall.

    　The third-generation Outlander in Japan will be introduced in 2021. Like previous models, it was introduced in markets outside Japan, but in Japan the pure gasoline model was discontinued and only the PHEV model with the 4B12 2.4-liter inline 4-cylinder engine was available.

    　In other markets such as Australia and the U.S., initially only gasoline models powered by Nissan’s PR25DD 2.5-liter inline-4 engine were available, but it was later announced that PHEV models would also be introduced (PHEVs were already available in Australia).

    　In China, the first-generation Outlander (Japanese name: Airtrek) landed in 2004. At the time, Mitsubishi had a partnership with Beijing Jeep, a joint venture between Beijing Automotive and Jeep (Chrysler), to produce Mitsubishi models in China.

    Many may ask, “”Why Beijing Jeep?”” Mitsubishi has long had a strong relationship with Chrysler, and at the time had a capital tie-up with DaimlerChrysler (now Sterantis).

    　Beijing Jeep, created in 1984, was contracted to produce and sell Chrysler-related models in China, partly because the Jeep brand had been absorbed by Chrysler. Production of the first generation Outlander continued until 2008, when the joint venture was dissolved.

    Mitsubishi launches the new Outlander in China, but no PHEV! What is the “”BEV”” that Mitsubishi is focusing on in China?

    No PHEV in the Chinese market, not even the Eclipse Cross!
    　In 2006, the second generation Outlander (first generation in Japan) was introduced in China, but since the second generation model was not produced by a joint venture, it was sold as an “”import”” with higher prices due to tariffs. This situation would continue until 2016, when Mitsubishi again established a joint venture and revived production of the Outlander in China.

    　In 2012, Mitsubishi established Guangqi Mitsubishi, a joint venture with Guangzhou Automobile; the third-generation Outlander (second generation in Japan) was introduced to China as an import in 2012, and switched to local production in 2016.

    　The Outlander has a unique history, but after about a year of delay, the fourth-generation Outlander (the third-generation model in Japan) will finally be available for reservation in China in August 2022.

    The new Outlander handled by Guangqi Mitsubishi in China

    　The basic exterior is identical to the Japanese version, and the interior is also unchanged.

    　However, the most distinctive feature of the Chinese version is its unique 48V mild hybrid. While plug-in hybrid models are available in Japan, and pure gasoline models are available in the U.S. and Australia, only a mild hybrid model (212hp) powered by a 4B40 1.5-liter turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine is available in China.

    　It is not clear why only the Chinese version is a 48V mild hybrid.

    　However, the Chinese-spec Eclipse Cross is also not available as a PHEV model, but as a pure gasoline model with the same engine.

    　Mitsubishi also manufactures and sells the Airtrek electric vehicle (BEV) in China, whose body was transferred from Guangzhou Automobile.

    　We suspect that the reasons for not selling PHEVs in China include the difficulty of producing PHEV-related parts locally in China, or the purpose of focusing on BEVs to clarify the position with the Airtrek.

    　When we asked Mitsubishi’s public relations department about the development of the Outlander in the Chinese market, the response was, “”As you may have guessed, we are focusing on the Airtrek for BEVs, and we will consider PHEVs while watching the policy and market trends in China.

    　We will keep an eye on the market to see if there will be additional PHEV models depending on demand, or if Mitsubishi will continue to develop only mild-hybrid models.

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

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    The curtain rises on the 40-year history of the Nissan March! Neither the Yaris nor the Fit can compete! 4 memorable models of super long-established compact cars .

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “Nissan “”March”” 40 years of history! Neither the Yaris nor the Fit can match it! Four Memorable Models of the Super Venerable Compact Car

    A look back at Nissan’s long-established March compact car brand, which lasted 40 years and four generations.
    　At the end of August 2022, several newspapers and other media reported the end of production of the Nissan March.
    　
    　The March is a long-established brand with a 40-year history, which is significantly longer than any other Japanese compact car, and has lasted for four generations. Let’s take a look back at the successive generations.

    Image] Only four generations in 40 years: “”Which one is your favorite? A look at the 68 photos of the “”March”” of past generations that bring back too much nostalgia.

    In 2002, just as the Carlos Ghosn administration was beginning, Nissan’s third-generation (K12) March (2002-2010), with its distinctive rounded styling and wide variety of colors, attracted a lot of attention, especially among female users.

    First-generation “”MARCH”” [K10 model / 1982-1992]

    　The first-generation March, launched in October 1982, made a spectacular debut as a hatchback model in the liter car class (referring to models with an engine displacement of around 1 liter), smaller than the “”Sunny”” and “”Pulsar”” compact cars of the time.

    　In addition, Nissan solicited car names from the general public in advance, and used the top idol of the time, Masahiko Kondo (nicknamed “”Match””), as its image celebrity to market the model as “”Match’s March””. Nissan put a lot of effort into this model.

    　At first, only a 1-liter 3-door model debuted, and later a 5-door model was added. The March Super Turbo, a double-charged model equipped with a supercharger and turbocharger, and other variations were added to the lineup.

    Second-generation “”MARCH”” [K11 model / 1992-2002]

    　The second generation March, which underwent its first full model change in 10 years in 1992, was developed with the aim of expanding sales not only in Japan but also in the European market, a fierce battleground for compact cars.

    　In addition to winning several awards, including the Japan Car of the Year Award and the Good Design Award, it was the first Japanese car to win the European Car of the Year Award, and has been highly acclaimed in Japan and Europe.

    　In addition to the three-door and five-door body types, the March lineup includes the March Box, a wagon body, and the March Cabriolet, a convertible model, as well as the March Bolero, a retro-design custom model by Autec Japan (now Nissan Motor Sports & Customization). The “”March Rumba”” was also actively developed as a variation of the original model.

    　Like the first generation, this model was produced for approximately 10 years, and has become a long-seller, maintaining even more stable sales volume than the first generation.

    Third-generation “”March”” (K12 model / 2002-2010)

    　The third-generation K12 March, which was introduced in 2002 after the business alliance with Renault, was based on the jointly developed Alliance B platform.

    　It was characterized by its distinctive rounded design, and attracted much attention as a model that symbolized the new era of Nissan under the soon-to-be-appointed Carlos Ghosn administration.

    　From its debut, it has been available in a wide range of colors, with colorful new colors added with each product improvement, and has been a topic of conversation for a long time, attracting support mainly from women.

    　Following the second generation, the retro-masked “”March Lafite”” and “”March Bolero”” were added, as well as the “”12SR,”” a sports model with a tuned engine, and the “”Micra C+C,”” an open model with a hard-top roof, and many other derivative models were born.

    The end of the 40-year history of the Nissan March! Neither the Yaris nor the Fit could match it! Four Memorable Past Models of the Super Venerable Compact Car

    End of sales in Japan with the 4th generation? However, there was a “”5th generation”” for Europe!
    The 4th generation “”MARCH”” [K13/2010-2022]

    　The 4th generation, which underwent a model change in 2010, combined a newly developed V-platform with a fuel-efficient 1.2-liter inline 3-cylinder engine with an idling stop system.

    　The most significant news was that it was the first model to be produced overseas. The Japanese version was made at Nissan’s Thai plant.

    　Production continued for 12 years until 2022, making it the longest-selling March model of all time.

    　The “”March NISMO,”” a full-fledged sports model that replaced the previous generation’s 12SR, and the retro-style “”March Bolero”” are also derivatives of the March, as they have been for many years.

    The first-generation (K10) Nissan March made its debut with much fanfare and promotion, partly because it was a “”liter car,”” a new genre of car.

    　Although the March’s production has been discontinued as reported by newspapers, as of early September 2022, there has been no official announcement from the manufacturer. On Nissan’s official website, the March is still being sold.

    　However, a small note on the website states, “”Some specifications, grades, and colors may not be available due to production reasons,”” suggesting that something will be done in the future.

    　It is expected that the company will continue to sell the product for a while until the pre-produced inventory runs out.

    The car is expected to continue to be sold for a while until the pre-production stock runs out.

    　Although the March is reportedly discontinued in Japan, its successor, the 5th generation (K14 model), was launched in 2017 as a car exclusively for Europe.

    　While both successive models have inherited the March’s character with their cute styling, the 5th generation is characterized by sharp styling starting with the V-motion grille. The wide and low form gives it a unique sporty image.

    　It is interesting to note that in Europe, the March has been consistently referred to as the “”Micra”” rather than the “”March”” since the first generation.”

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    The predecessor “Vezel” has evolved independently and emphasized black!Honda’s new SUV “VE-1 Magic Knight” specification announced in China!

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “The previous generation “”Vezel”” has undergone a unique evolution, emphasizing the black color! Honda’s New VE-1 Magic Night SUV Specification Unveiled in China!

    　On September 1, 2022, Honda’s Chinese joint venture, Guangqi Honda Automobile, announced the 2023 VE-1 SUV. The “”Magic Night Edition”” and “”Magic Night Deluxe Edition”” special editions are said to be available, but what kind of model is it?

    Even the emblem is black! New VE-1 Magic Night Edition SUV in 29 images

    The VE-1 Magic Night Edition was unveiled by Guangqi Honda Automobile Co.

    　The VE-1 is an SUV-type EV jointly developed by Honda R&D (China) Co. and Guangqi Honda Automobile Co.

    　The exterior design is based on the design of Honda’s first-generation “”Vezel”” and incorporates unique design features in the front and rear, including a front bumper with a powerful design that stretches from side to side.

    　The new “”VE-1 TA”” model launched this time has an extended cruising range on a single charge. The new “”VE-1 TA”” extends the range of the latest model in the VE-1 series, the “”VE-1+,”” from 470 km to 480 km, while consuming less than 14 kWh of energy per 100 km.

    　The specifications of the on-board motor are maximum output of 120 kW (approx. 163 ps) and maximum torque of 280 Nm. Four driving modes are available: Comfort mode, Sports mode, Regenerative Strong mode + Comfort mode, and Regenerative Strong mode + Sports mode, which can be selected according to driving conditions.

    　The interior is newly equipped with a 12.3-inch LCD display that allows the driver to check the charging status as well as navigation and multimedia functions. In addition, red and blue ambient lights with nine levels of brightness adjustment are available.

    　Tires with excellent rolling performance and quietness have been adopted to enhance the quietness of the cabin.

    　In addition, it is compatible with WOW STATION, an online service linked to smartphones. The application allows users to check the vehicle status and remotely control the air conditioning.

    　As for body and interior colors, white and emerald green have been added as new colors, as well as yellow and blue leather accents for the interior.

    　The price of the new VE-1 TA will be set at 174,800-184,800 yuan (about 3.02-3.19 million Japanese yen).”

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    Full throttle with Toyota’s “fastest specification”! The amazing new “GRMN Yaris” A dream showdown that makes professionals smile!

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “Toyota’s “”Fastest Specs”” in Full Throttle! The new “”GRMN Yaris”” is still amazing! A dream matchup that brings smiles to the faces of professionals!

    Pros Blast Off on the Circuit in the New GRMN Yaris!
    　On September 2, 2022, during the practice day of “”Super Taikyu Series Round 5, Motegi,”” professional drivers had a slugfest using the new “”GRMN Yaris,”” a fully tuned model of Toyota’s “”GR Yaris.
    　
    　What kind of model is the new GRMN Yaris, Toyota’s fastest specification?

    Limited to 500 units… See the real-life images of Toyota’s fastest spec “”GRMN Yaris,”” which is too rare!

    Toyota’s “”Fastest Specification””! What is so amazing about the new “”GRMN Yaris””?

    　The GR Yaris is a model that has been trained and developed under extreme conditions by participating in various motorsports events such as the Super Taikyu series and the All Japan Rally Championship.

    　The GRMN Yaris, which made its world premiere on January 14, 2022, was born from Morizo’s (Toyota President Akio Toyoda) desire to “”deliver to our customers a car that evolves speedily and in accordance with their needs in the field of motor sports. The new car was born from the desire of Akio Morizo (Toyota President Akio Toyoda) to “”deliver to our customers a car that evolves speedily and in accordance with people in motorsports.

    　The features of this car are the various trial-and-error customizations that he learned from his motorsports experience, such as strengthening the rigidity of the body, reducing the weight by approximately 20 kg, lowering the center of gravity by reducing the vehicle height by 10 mm, and improving aerodynamics by widening the overall width by 10 mm.

    　The car is also equipped with a mechanical LSD that has been repeatedly broken and repaired to improve performance, a cross gear-ratio transmission, and a set of low final gears.

    　In addition, professional drivers have driven this model to improve braking power, grip, cornering, and tracking performance, making it “”a car that can be driven faster with greater peace of mind.

    　The GRMN Yaris, available in a limited edition of 500 units, comes in two types: the “”Circuit Package”” and the “”Rally Package.

    　The ROOKIE Racing team (Sasaki and Ishiura) that competes in the “”Super Taikyu Series”” and the No. 7 team (Lopez and Kobayashi) and No. 8 team (Hartley and Hirakawa) that competes in the aforementioned WEC will battle it out in the “”GRMN Yaris”” this time. The project was to battle it out using the GRMN Yaris.

    　Morisso explained the background of this project as follows.

    The WEC teams are active around the world, and ROOKIE Racing is active in Japan, so the fans are divided into two categories.

    　So, what if we use the same car and have a showdown so that each fan can understand the other? Wouldn’t that be fun? That was the idea.

    　The actual car used was the GRMN Yaris Circuit Package, with a carbon fiber (twill weave CFRP) rear spoiler, side skirts, and lip spoiler.

    　The suspension features BBS 18-inch wheels exclusively for the GRMN, 18-inch brakes, and Bilstein damping force-adjustable shock absorbers, all designed with an awareness of how fast the car can run on the circuit.

    　As for the actual project, the ROOKIE Racing team (Sasaki and Ishiura) won the race, but despite their various handicaps, each driver enjoyed the showdown itself and the driving of the GRMN Yaris, while also enjoying the serious competition that they were not afraid to lose.”

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    It’s like a “light” “Alphard!” What is the reaction of Daihatsu’s new “Tanto Custom” users?

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “Like a “”light”” Alphard! The powerful grille emphasizes the sense of “”pushiness””! What is the reaction of Daihatsu’s new “”Tanto Custom”” users?
    Saturday, September 3, 7:10

    A Strong Sense of Push! What is the New Daihatsu Tanto Custom?
    　On August 22, 2022, Daihatsu released advance information on the all-new Tanto Custom.
    　
    　This minor change reveals the revamped Tanto Custom, but what has been the reaction from users?

    Image: It looks like a “”mini-Alphard! See the real car of the powerful new “”Tanto Custom”” in pictures!

    The front grille is so cool! What are users’ reactions to the all-new “”Tanto Custom””?

    　The first generation “”Tanto”” model was launched in 2003, establishing a new genre of mini super high wagon.

    　Since then, it has been Daihatsu’s mainstay model supported by a wide range of users through the introduction of pillar-in-door “”Miracle Open Door”” and power sliding doors on both sides.

    　The Tanto Custom’s appearance has undergone a major change with this minor remodeling.

    　The headlights are sharper than before, the front grille is more powerful, and the design has a stronger sense of pushiness, with chrome decorations in some places.

    　The official website has released preliminary information on the actual Tanto Custom in the image color of violet.

    　So, what is the reaction of users to this renewal?

    　Since the design has changed so much compared to the previous model, some have commented, “”It looks like a different car! The new Tantocasum’s design is a big change from the previous model, and some users have commented, “”It looks like a different car!

    　Some users also used the following expressions: “”It looks like a Voxy,”” “”It looks like a Lexus,”” “”It looks like a mini Alphard,”” “”It looks like an omikoshi,”” and so on.

    　While some users commented on the new front face, saying, “”I like this face better than the current one,”” “”It looks cool! On the other hand, some users said, “”I don’t think the grille and headlights match,”” “”It looks tacky,”” and “”I don’t like the glare…”” The pros and cons of the new Tanto Custom are largely divided.

    　The new Tanto Custom is already available for advance orders, and some users have already reserved their cars.

    * * *

    　With this minor change, Mazda also announced the addition of the “”Tanto FUNCROSS,”” a new lineup with a stronger outdoor orientation.

    　Both models are already available for advance orders and are scheduled to go on sale in the fall of 2022.”

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    Nissan SUV “Kicks” latest model appeared! Available in 3 grades with an elegant body.

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “Nissan SUV “”Kicks”” Latest Model Debuts in the U.S.! Three grades with a sleek body, starting at about 2.8 million yen, to be released in the U.S.
    Friday, September 2, 17:40

    Nissan Launches 2023 Model Year
    　On August 31, 2022, Nissan’s U.S. subsidiary launched the 2023 model of its Kicks crossover SUV.

    The latest Nissan Kicks model is here! See images of the U.S. version, which is slightly different from the Japanese version

    Nissan “”Kicks”” 2023 model (U.S. specifications)

    　The 2023 model will be available in three grades: S, SV, and SR, with Nissan Safety Shield 360 as standard equipment on all grades. Fuel economy is 31 mpg city (13.2 km/L), 36 mpg highway (15.3 km/L), and 33 mpg combined (14.0 km/L).

    　The Kicks S comes standard with a 7-inch touchscreen audio system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, three USB ports, and push-button start.

    　The Kicks SV adds 17-inch alloy wheels, silver-painted roof rails, intelligent cruise control, and an 8-inch touchscreen audio system.

    　The Kicks SR adds stylish parts such as black painted roof rails, exterior mirrors, a dark chrome front grille, and unique seat fabrics. In terms of features, the SR features LED headlights and fog lamps, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, automatic climate control, and an intelligent around-view monitor.

    　The SR is also available with a premium package that adds a Bose audio system (8 speakers), heated front seats and steering wheel, and NissanConnect service.

    　Local prices are $20,290 for the Kicks S, $22,150 for the Kicks SV, and $22,850 for the Kicks SR.”

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    “X-Trail Sisters” Nissan Gotsu SUV Already Evolved!New “Rogue” Appears! It looks tough but has the latest features! Released in the US from about 3.8 million yen .

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “Nissan’s SUV, the “”sister of the xtrail,”” has already evolved! The new “”Rogue”” is here! Tough face but the latest in features! On sale in the U.S. starting at about 3.8 million yen!

    　On August 30, 2022, Nissan’s U.S. subsidiary launched the 2023 model of the Rogue SUV.

    The newest sister vehicle to the Extrale! Nissan Rogue 2023 model in 34 images.

    　The current Rogue will be positioned as the sister model of the Extrale sold in Japan.

    Nissan “”Rogue”” 2023 model year

    　The first generation of the Rogue was introduced in 2007. Currently, the third generation, which will be announced in 2020, is undergoing a series of minor changes, with the 2022 model adding a new 1.5-liter variable compression turbocharged engine to improve power and fuel economy.

    　The latest 2023 model, now available, offers the most safety features in its class and Nissan Safety Shield 360 as standard equipment on all grades.

    　NissanConnect, an 8-inch touchscreen (9-inch on some models) with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and LED exterior lights are also standard.

    　In addition, ProPilot Assist, an advanced driver assistance technology available on the SV and higher grades, assists the driver with steering, acceleration, and braking when driving in a single lane on highways.

    　The Pro Pilot Assist with Navigation Link (standard on the Platinum grade and optional on the SL grade) adds the ability to actively adjust vehicle speed using data from the navigation system before a curve or highway exit.

    　Four grades are available, starting from the lower end: S, SV, SL, and Platinum. Each is available in FWD and AWD.

    　Prices in the U.S. range from $27,360 (approximately 3.8 million yen) to $38,640 (approximately 5.3 million yen).”

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    Honda to announce “new SUV” soon.

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “Honda to Unveil “”New SUV”” Soon? Pre-announcement of Derivative Vehicle to Finally Introduce the Second-Generation Vezel to the Chinese Market

    The second generation of the Vezel, the original family of the Vezel, is finally being introduced in China.
    　Honda’s popular compact SUV “”Vezel””, the second generation of which was announced in Japan in February 2021.

    Honda to Introduce the New Vezel in China: A Look Ahead at Its Actual Vehicle
    　The first generation model, which is the predecessor of the original model is still being sold in China, except for its sister models and electric vehicles, and is now expected to finally undergo a full model change.

    Will the original “”2nd generation Vezel”” finally be introduced to the Chinese market? (Image source: Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of the People’s Republic of China, commonly known as the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology)

    　The first-generation Vezel was first introduced in Japan in 2013.

    　Based on the third-generation Fit, the body was developed with the concept of appealing the usability of an SUV while still being sporty, and has been developed as Honda’s global strategic SUV along with the CR-V, which is one generation above it.

    　In Japan, it is called the “”Vezel,”” but in North America and Europe, it is sold under the name “”HR-V.”” The “”Vezel”” was once known as the “”HR-V,”” but it is now called the “”Vezel.

    　Speaking of the HR-V, there was once a car called the “”HR-V”” in Japan in 1998, which ended its sales after only one generation.

    　This was an SUV with a rather strange shape that used the platform of Honda’s compact car “”Logo”” (the successor to the Fit), and although the design may have been too new, it was discontinued in 2006 as an unpopular car in Japan.

    　The second-generation HR-V in North America became a popular model with sales of approximately 150,000 units (U.S. + Canada) in 2021, and sales were terminated.

    　The third-generation HR-V announced in the US in April 2022 is the same model as the Civic-based ZR-V (Japanese name).

    　On the other hand, the Vezel has been developed in the Chinese market with a strategy different from the aforementioned.

    　In China, the Vezel has been deployed not only as the sister model “”XR-V”” based on the Vezel, the “”VE-1″” of the China exclusive brand “”Ideon”” and the “”X-NV”” and “”M-NV”” electric vehicles of another China exclusive brand “”Simei”” but also as the “”CDX”” of the Acura brand, etc. The Vezel itself has a high level of versatility. The second-generation Vezel will be launched in the Chinese market in 2021.

    　The second-generation Vezel was launched in Japan in February 2021 and is also sold in Europe and Southeast Asia. In China, the e:NS1 and e:NP1 were announced in October 2021, ahead of the full model change of the original Vezel.

    　The e:NS1 and e:NS1 will be manufactured and sold by Dongfeng Honda Automobile, a joint venture with Dongfeng Motor, and Guangqi Honda Automobile, a joint venture with Guangzhou Automobile, respectively.

    　It is common for automakers with multiple joint ventures in China, such as Honda and Toyota, to release the same car in a sister-car relationship, giving each company a different design and name.

    　In addition to these models, the Chinese market also includes the Inspire/Accord, Civic/Integra, Envix/Clyder, CR-V/Breeze, UR-V/Avancia, Life/Fit, and Elysion/Odyssey, which are marketed by Dongfeng Honda Motor and Guangqi Honda Motor, respectively. Dongfeng Honda Automobile and Guangqi Honda Automobile, respectively.

    　In other words, before the full model change of the original Vezel, which Guangqi Honda Automobile is in charge of, and the sister model XR-V, which Dongfeng Honda Automobile is in charge of, pure electric models using the same body were rolled out by both joint venture companies first.

    　Then, on August 28, 2022, the second generation model of the XR-V, sister to the Vezel, officially went on sale in China.

    　The front grille has a honeycomb mesh grille with chrome decorations, giving it a sportier look.

    　The chrome grille is an original XR-V grille that differs from the chrome grille available as an option on the Vezel for the Japanese market. The horizontal lower grille has wavelength-style decorations on some parts, giving it a playful atmosphere.

    Honda will soon unveil a “”new SUV”” or a derivative vehicle first, finally introducing the second-generation Vezel to the Chinese market.

    Finally the original Vezel is introduced to the Chinese market? What specifications will it have?
    　In China, the Vezel and its derivatives have been sold independently, but now there is a move to introduce the second-generation Vezel, the original Vezel, to the Chinese market.

    　This information was revealed on the website of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of the People’s Republic of China (commonly known as the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology).

    The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MITI) is an agency that handles the business of Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC), and in China, automobile manufacturers are required to submit information on new models to MITI before manufacturing and selling them.

    The information released to the public includes photos of the vehicle and detailed specifications.

    　The exterior is basically identical to the second-generation Vezel sold in Japan, with the only difference being the “”Guangqi Honda”” emblem on the back.

    The “”Guangqi Honda”” emblem is mounted on the rear (image source: Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of the People’s Republic of China, commonly known as the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology).

    　It can also be seen that the two-tone body color, which is only available on the e:HEV PLaY grade in the Japanese version, and the panoramic roof that covers the entire roof surface are also available as options for the Chinese version.

    　While the exterior appearance is almost identical to that of the second-generation model in Japan, the powertrain differs from that in Japan.

    While this version offers both a gasoline model and a hybrid “”e:HEV”” model, the Chinese version does not have a hybrid model, but only a gasoline model powered by an L15C 1.5-liter inline 4-cylinder engine manufactured by Guangqi Honda Automobile.

    　By leaving the role of the eco-friendly model to the e:NP1 electric vehicle already on sale in China, and leaving the Bezzel as a gasoline-only model, the position of each model will become clearer.

    　In this context, the China-specification model of the new Vezel revealed this time is expected to be unveiled by the end of 2022.

    　The author’s (Hiroto Kato) prediction is that some sort of announcement will be made at the “”Guangzhou Motor Show”” to be held in November 2022 in the home territory of Guangqi Honda Automobile.

    * * *

    　Honda sells a wide variety of SUVs in the Chinese market.

    　In addition to the XR-V and the Vezel, the new CR-V and its sister model, the Breeze, and the ZR-V, which carries the middle ground.

    　In addition, the company will have a presence in the increasingly competitive SUV market by offering many choices of gasoline-powered vehicles, pure electric models, and PHEVs.”