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Within Nissan’s compact car the Note Aura NISMO
Within Nissan’s compact car, the Note Aura NISMO, the sports model of the Note, has a driving and visual atmosphere. Inspired by Nissan’s longtime participation in Formula E, the car is based on the concept of a “fast-footed electric city racer” and is infused with NISMO’s soul and attention to detail. The Note Aura NISMO is equipped with various exclusive NISMO parts and features a design that enhances aerodynamic performance. The price is 2,981,000 yen.
World Debut: Suzuki Jimny 5-Door Unveiled, Marking a Historic First
ByPawaniSuzuki unveiled the new “”Jimny 5-door”” for the first time in the world! The “”long body”” with a presence of less than 4 meters in length is awesome! 1.5L version unveiled in India
Jimny 5-door model unveiled in India for the first time
Maruti Suzuki, Suzuki’s Indian subsidiary, has unveiled the world premiere of the new Jimny (5-door version) at the Auto Expo 2023 in New Delhi.What kind of model is the 5-door version of the Jimny that has long been rumored to be on the market?Finally, the world premiere of the 5-door Jimny! See the lengthened actual car!
At last! New “”Jimny 5-door”” model unveiled for the first time in the world in India.Since the first generation of the Jimny was introduced in 1970, it has been renowned as a full-fledged four-wheel drive vehicle with a compact body, a ladder frame, and a part-time 4WD system with an auxiliary transmission.The second generation model, which was sold from 1981 to 1998, was also marketed in India and other overseas markets. In addition to the regular mini-car model, a new regular car model, the Jimny Sierra, with an enlarged body size and engine, was also sold in Japan and overseas.The current model was introduced in 2018. While maintaining the same driving performance, the new model features a square design with round headlights, as if returning to its roots.The new model has a classic look, but also offers safety features that are appropriate for the modern age, such as Suzuki Safety Support, an advanced driving support system that includes collision damage mitigation braking and a false start suppression function.
The Jimny that was unveiled for the first time at Auto Expo 2023 is not a conventional three-door version, but a five-door version with an additional rear door.For some time, there have been calls for a five-door version of the Jimny series with improved comfort, load capacity, and convenience.In this context, the 5-door Jimny, which appears to be a prototype, was spotted driving overseas at the end of 2022 and quickly became the talk of the town.The body size of the new Jimny 5-door that was unveiled for the first time is 3985 mm (length) x 1645 mm (width) x 1720 mm (height).
It is a new 5-door version with rear doors, and features special rear seats and interior.The powertrain is a 1.5-liter gasoline engine mated to a 4-speed AT or 5-speed MT.Seven body colors are expected to be available, including monotone and dual-tone.Maruti Suzuki plans to begin sales of the new model in fiscal year 2023, and to export it to Africa, Central and South America, and other markets.Other details of the specifications are expected to be revealed in the future, and expectations are high as to whether the car will be available in Japan as well, as many fans have been eagerly awaiting its release.
Nissan “sedan end” one after another …! Only the 9th year “Skyline” remains! Who buys skylines now?
“Nissan “”Sedan End”” one after another…! Only the 9-year-old “”Skyline”” remains! What kind of person buys a Skyline now?
Only “”Skyline”” Remaining Nissan Sedan
With the discontinuation of the “”Fuga”” and “”Cima”” at the end of August 2022, the “”Skyline”” is the only sedan that Nissan will sell in Japan.This is the most powerful Skyline! 400R”” with over 400 horsepower in real life!
It has been 9 years since the current Skyline was introduced, but who would buy it now?
The most powerful Skyline ever! The 405-horsepower “”400R
The Skyline has been loved by many users for more than 60 years since its first generation appeared in 1957.
The current Skyline, the 13th generation, was launched in 2013 with the Infiniti batch. It was then changed to the Nissan batch for a big minor change in 2019.
At this time, it continues to evolve with the addition of the “”400R,”” the first ever 400-plus horsepower version, and “”ProPilot 2.0,”” the first Japanese car to allow hands-off driving on highways.
However, as of 2022, nearly nine years will have already passed since its debut, and the Skyline’s current situation cannot be said to be a safe one, as it is noticeably older than its rivals in many areas.
In addition, as can be seen from the fact that the “”Sylphy”” and “”Teana,”” as well as the aforementioned “”Fuga”” and “”Cima”” have been discontinued in Nissan’s sedan lineup, the declining popularity of the sedan itself is also a headwind for the Skyline.
In fact, even the Toyota Crown, a leading Japanese sedan that has often been compared to the Skyline, has undergone a major change in its image by being reborn as a crossover model in its new 16th generation model, which will be released in September 2022.
Under these circumstances, the Skyline continues to struggle, with recent monthly sales of only 100 to 200 units.
Furthermore, the recent parts shortage has also put a damper on the situation, and as of September 7, 2022, new orders for Skyline hybrid vehicles have been suspended because the number of orders has reached the planned quantity. In addition, orders for gasoline-powered vehicles have also been temporarily suspended.
According to a Nissan dealership official, “”Orders for gasoline models are scheduled to resume by mid-September,”” but the future remains uncertain.
The situation is such that the very existence of the Skyline, a model with a long history, is in jeopardy.Nissan “”Sedan Termination”” One after another…? Only the 9-year-old “”Skyline”” remains! What kind of person buys a Skyline now?
Who is Buying a Skyline Now?
On the other hand, although the absolute numbers are small, there are certain trends among current Skyline buyers.A Nissan dealership official said the following.
A Nissan dealership official said, “”It is true that the Skyline is not doing well in terms of sales volume, but it is one of the few Japanese sporty cars.
However, as one of the few Japanese sporty sedans, many customers are interested in the Skyline because of its appealing driving performance.
With the recent introduction of the 400R, a sports grade equipped with a specially tuned V6 twin-turbo engine, the Skyline’s driving performance seems to be attracting more and more attention.
This may be due to the fact that sporty sedans equipped with large-displacement gasoline engines have become rare in recent years.
In fact, when the 400R was announced, many people said, “”For the first time in Skyline’s history, it has more than 400 horsepower! The Skyline is back! The strongest Skyline ever!”” The 400R became a big topic of conversation, and its sales volume rose sharply.
The appearance of the driving “”400R”” attracted the attention of the younger generation, but… what now?
In addition, sedans have a lower center of gravity than SUVs and minivans, making it easier to achieve a sporty driving style, and the four-door design makes them practical enough for practical use.
Therefore, sedans can satisfy the needs of users who cannot enjoy sporty driving in SUVs and minivans, but lack the practicality of a 2-door coupe.
In addition, with the recent trend toward electrification, pure gasoline-powered domestic sedans are becoming less and less common.
In fact, in the categories of “”domestic sporty sedan,”” “”displacement over 3000cc,”” and “”gasoline-powered car,”” the Skyline is almost the only choice.
The above-mentioned dealer’s story suggests that the Skyline has become the recipient of such needs.
* * *
With the changing trends among users and the automobile industry, the position of the Skyline has changed drastically compared to the past.
On the other hand, looking at the world, there are still many markets where sedans are popular, and the Skyline (sold as the Infiniti “”Q50″” in some markets) boasts strong popularity.
Since the Skyline has been developed as a global mainstay from the beginning, one of the major attractions of the Skyline is that it is still in the top class even after nearly nine years since its launch.
However, considering the current situation, we cannot deny the possibility that the next Skyline, like the Crown, will undergo a major image change.
At the very least, it is certain that electrification will become even more essential than it is now.
In this light, there may be only a short time left to enjoy the gasoline-powered Skyline.
Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)”
Experience 6 Incredible Variants of Honda’s High-Quality Fit From Luxurious to Sporty
ByPawaniIn recent years, even compact cars are increasingly being equipped with luxurious interiors. Among them, Honda’s flagship compact car, the Fit, stands out with its high quality and versatile interior.
The first generation Fit was released in 2001. It quickly became a flagship model, highly acclaimed for its stylish design, low floor, spacious interior space, and ease of use. The current model is the fourth generation, released in 2020. While retaining the spacious interior and ease of use brought about by the low floor FF platform, it has improved four “comforts”: visibility, ride comfort, seating comfort, and ease of use. The design has also been completely revamped from a stylish atmosphere to a simple and modern one.
In addition to the usual gasoline engine, the powertrain includes Honda’s unique two motor hybrid “e:HEV”, as well as the advanced driving assistance system “Honda Sensing”. A minor change was made in October 2022. This update included refreshing the interior and exterior design, improving engine output, enhancing Honda Sensing functions, and adding a sporty “RS” grade.
The body size ranges from 3995-4095mm in length, 1695-1725mm in width, 1515-1570mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2530mm. Unlike previous models where differences in equipment divided the lineup, the current Fit shares basic equipment across all models. The coordination of the interior and exterior allows users to choose what suits their taste and lifestyle.
There are five types in the regular lineup, with a special edition vehicle added in December 2023, bringing the total to six variations:
HOME: The mid range model features a prime smooth instrument panel and a combination seat of woven fabric and prime smooth. It offers a simple design with a natural texture. Additionally, a “light gray” interior option is available, featuring ultra suede and prime smooth combination seats for a modern and pleasant touch.
BLACK STYLE: This special edition features a black toned interior with glossy piano black panels on the steering switch, shift lever, cup holder, and other decorative areas, creating a mature and calm space. Combined with black exterior parts, it gives a bold impression.
LUXE: The top of the line model is equipped with luxurious genuine leather seats, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The “Light Brown” option unifies the front and rear seats, instrument panel, steering wheel base, center console, and front armrest in beige, giving it a bright impression. Special details such as black piping on the headrests and shoulders of the seats, quilting and perforation on the backrest and seat center, and brown seat belts create a high quality space. The exterior features chrome decoration and special 16 inch wheels for a touch of glamour.
RS: This sporty model enhances its sportiness with special aero parts and specially tuned suspension. The interior matches the sporty exterior with a gray base and yellow stitching.
CROSSTAR: Featuring a tough exterior that stands out outdoors, this model has water repellent fabric seats that resist dirt even in outdoor settings.
BASIC: A simple yet functional model that provides all essential features.
The Fit’s price (including consumption tax) ranges from 1,655,500 yen to 2,748,900 yen.
Honda’s Fit continues to impress with its blend of luxury, comfort, and versatility in the compact car segment.
Why do Toyota cars dominate the top ranks? “Yaris” and “Corolla” are combined in the series! Two reasons why Toyota dominates the registration ranking.
“Why do Toyota cars dominate the top? Yaris”” and “”Corolla”” are the series combined! Two reasons for Toyota’s overwhelming victory in the registration ranking
Most of the top 10 are Toyota vehicles
Toyota cars are mostly lined up at the top of the compact/ordinary car sales (registrations) ranking announced by the Japan Automobile Dealers Association (Jidanren).Toyota’s luxury minivan “”Alphard”” is selling well! The “”gold”” special model is too gorgeous!
In the first half of 2022 (January to June), the Yaris is in first place, followed by the Corolla in second, the Roomy in third, the Rise in fifth, the Alphard in seventh, and the Aqua in eighth, with the exception of the Nissan Note (including the Note Aura) in fourth place and the Honda Freed in sixth. Toyota cars dominate the list.
Toyota cars always dominate the top ranking.
There are multiple reasons and backgrounds for this. First, Toyota cars have models that publish the total number of registrations for the series.
The Yaris, which ranks first in terms of registrations, is the total of the Yaris compact car, the Yaris Cross SUV, and the GR Yaris sports model. The average monthly registrations of the Yaris in the first half of 2022 is approximately 13,600 units, of which approximately 6,800 units are Yaris Crosses, 6,000 Yaris are GR Yaris, and the rest are GR Yaris.
The Yaris Cross’ approximately 6,800 units are slightly below the 6th-place Freed’s approximately 7,300 units, and if the Yaris compact car and the Yaris Cross SUV were calculated separately, the Yaris would not rank first in the sales ranking.
The Corolla sales volume is the total of the Corolla sedan, Corolla Touring wagon, Corolla Sport hatchback, and Corolla Cross SUV, plus the continuously produced previous-generation 5-number Corolla Axio (sedan)/Corolla Fielder (wagon) models.
The average monthly registration volume for the entire Corolla series in the first half of 2022 is approximately 11,800 units. The Corolla Cross had the highest number of registrations by body type (monthly average) at approximately 5,300 units, followed by the Corolla Touring at approximately 2,300 units. The remaining 4200 units were shared by the other body types.
The number of Corolla Cross registrations is slightly below the Aqua’s approximately 5,700, meaning that the Corolla series also does not rank high in the sales rankings when registrations are calculated by body type.
And for many users, the Yaris, Yaris Cross, and Corolla Sedan/Corolla Touring/Corolla Cross are different cars. The models to compare when purchasing a Yaris would be the Note or Fit, while the Yaris Cross would be the Honda Vezel or Nissan Kicks.
Considering this, the ranking order of the Yaris as No. 1 and the Corolla as No. 2 in terms of registrations cannot be used as a reference for users when choosing a car.
If that is the case, what will be the No. 1 small/ordinary car in terms of registrations by body type?
In the first half of 2022, it registered an average of about 10,900 units per month. In addition, the Alphard (monthly average of approximately 5,800 units in the first half of 2022) and the Aqua (approximately 5,700 units) are other Toyota vehicles that are selling well.
In other words, Toyota cars remain at the top of the sales ranking in many cases.
Why do Toyota cars dominate the top ranking? The “”Yaris”” and “”Corolla”” are a combined series! Two reasons why Toyota dominates the registration ranking
Is it related to Toyota’s lack of focus on light vehicles?
The second reason why many Toyota vehicles are at the top of the sales ranking is that kei cars have seen a sharp increase in sales.In the first half of 2022, mini cars accounted for 38% of domestic sales. Honda used to sell mainly compact/ordinary cars, but now mini cars account for 54% of its total domestic sales. Mitsubishi and Nissan also have 44% and 38% of their sales are light vehicles, respectively.
The Copen GR Sport, a light convertible car sold by Toyota
In the past, light cars were mainly sold by Daihatsu and Suzuki, but recently Honda, Nissan, and Mitsubishi have also been putting their efforts into light cars, and the domestic sales ratio of light cars has reached 38%.
In this situation, Toyota, Mazda, and Subaru are the only manufacturers that do not focus on light cars, and small/ordinary cars are becoming Toyota’s domain.
In 1990, Toyota’s market share for compact/normal cars and mini cars combined was 32%, and it will remain unchanged at 32% in the first half of 2022 (including Lexus).
However, when limited to compact/normal cars, Toyota’s share was 42% in 1990, and will reach 50% in the first half of 2022.
As other manufacturers have focused on mini cars and reduced sales of compact and standard cars, Toyota’s share of compact and standard cars has relatively increased. As a result, Toyota’s share of the compact and standard car market has relatively increased.
And since Toyota basically does not deal in mini cars, except for some Daihatsu OEM vehicles, there is an abundance of compact cars that fit into the 5-number size range. These include the Yaris, Aqua, Roomy, Passo, Sienta, Rise, Corolla Axio, and Corolla Fielder. 5-number cars remain popular in Japan, and a large lineup of such cars will help increase total sales.
In this regard, Nissan’s only 5-number cars, excluding mini cars, are the Note, the standard body of the “”Serena”” and the “”NV200 Vanette Wagon. There was also the “”March,”” but its domestic sales ended at the end of August 2022.
Honda also has only the Fit, the Freed, and the Shuttle, which is no longer in production. Therefore, Toyota has a larger selection of 5-number cars than other manufacturers, which gives it an advantage in the small/ordinary car sales ranking.
On the other hand, manufacturers other than Toyota are left to sell mini cars and a small number of 5-number cars in Japan, while the rest are 3-number cars developed for overseas markets. This dependence on a few models for domestic sales has reduced the sales of compact/ordinary cars, resulting in Toyota’s sole dominance in the market.
Another difference is the number of dealerships. Toyota has approximately 4,600 dealerships nationwide, while Nissan has less than 2,100 and Honda has less than 2,200. Toyota’s sales network is more than twice that of Nissan and Honda, so it is easy to increase sales.
* * *
There are various reasons why Toyota cars occupy the top of the domestic sales ranking.
In particular, the fact that manufacturers other than Toyota, with the exception of Daihatsu and Suzuki, have turned their attention overseas and become passive in the domestic market, resulting in fewer products that resonate with Japanese users, is a major reason for the strong sales of Toyota vehicles.
However, this does not mean that Toyota will continue to be a safe bet. While the Roomy, Rise, and Alphard are selling well, the average monthly registration of the Crown in the first half of 2022 (hereafter referred to as “”Crown””) is stagnant at about 1,400 units, which is why the new Crown Crossover has changed its appearance to an SUV while maintaining its sedan body.
The C-HR, Corolla sedan, and Camry are also polarizing in terms of sales among Toyota vehicles, with the C-HR selling approximately 1,200 units, the Corolla sedan selling approximately 900 units, and the Camry selling approximately 500 units.
Since Toyota has now shifted to a sales structure in which all dealers handle all vehicles, popular cars will sell well at all dealers. In the future, then, it may be narrowed down to a small number of best-selling models, as is the case with Nissan and Honda.
In the future, Toyota will also need to take on the challenge of promoting upsizing sales, for example, switching from the Yaris Cross to the Corolla Cross and then to the RAV4. We look forward to Toyota’s new sales approach.”
Insanely sporty! It was too cool to customize with the healing Honda new “Fit” aero!
“Insanely sporty! Customized with the soothing new Honda “”Fit”” aero, it’s just too cool!
Mugen and Honda Access Customize the New Fit!
Honda’s compact car “”Fit”” has undergone minor changes and goes on sale on October 7, 2022.Aero and lowered! The new “”Fit”” has been drastically changed to be very sporty!
In addition to the return of the sporty “”RS”” grade, the “”Luxe”” and “”Closter”” grades have been redesigned for this minor change.
The e:HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle) has evolved in terms of driving performance, with an increase in maximum motor output, and new features have been added to the Honda Sensing driving safety support system.
Mugen Custom’s Honda Fit with vivid red accents.
Various custom parts have also been introduced to match the new Fit. What kind of customization can be enjoyed with the new Fit?
Two types of aero parts will be lined up from the Mugen brand, one for the RS and the other for the “”Basic/Home/Luxe”” models.
The aero parts for the RS have red accents for a sporty look.
The three-piece “”Front Under Spoiler”” is divided into a center section (glossy red) and left and right sections (body-colored), and the “”Front Grille Garnish”” enhances the front face. Two types of front grille garnish, “”Premium Crystal Red Metallic”” and “”Berliner Black,”” are available to enhance the front face.
In addition, a side spoiler with the MUGEN potting emblem is featured to enhance the side view with its strong and wide shape, and a powerful diffuser shape is adopted at the rear. A red accent is added to the top of the spoiler to achieve a unified style with the front.
Meanwhile, the aero parts for the Basic, Home, and Luxe grades feature a front under spoiler with a wide and low design (painted in two-tone body color and glossy black) that expresses the front face in a unique way.
The lineup includes the “”Side Spoiler”” with a strong shape that gives the side view a sporty look, the “”Rear Under Spoiler”” with a diffuser shape that creates a simple yet sporty rear view, and the “”Wing Spoiler”” with a design that has a strong presence.
Honda Access, which handles genuine accessories for Honda vehicles, also developed parts for the new Fit.
The accessories for the RS include two types of “”LED fog lights”” in clear and yellow, “”pattern projectors”” that illuminate the foot area with the “”FIT”” logo when the doors are opened and closed, and “”foot lights”” with a choice of candle white or blue, creating a high-quality, gorgeous image with illuminated items. The illuminated items create a high-quality and gorgeous image.
The Basic, Home, and Luxe grades also feature a sharp-looking “”front grille”” in Berliner Black and front, side, and rear “”lower skirts”” that create a sporty silhouette.
The SUV grade Closter now offers practical items such as an “”armrest console”” that enhances driving comfort, as well as an “”LED tailgate light”” that illuminates the luggage space when the tailgate is opened.”