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Unveiling the Legacy: The Rise and Fall of Mitsubishi’s Town Box Wide
ByPawaniMitsubishi Town Box Wide Mitsubishi T-Box Wide-2025-01-09 by RAI STAR In a world where cars are growing ever larger, the charm of compact, practical vehicles continues to resonate with enthusiasts. Among the many compact offerings of the past, Mitsubishi’s Town Box Wide stands out as a quirky yet innovative minivan that captured the hearts of…
The stylish interior exceeds the “Harrier”! The luxurious Nissan new “X-Trail” interior comparison .
“The stylish interior surpasses the Harrier! Nissan’s new “”XTRAIL”” with more than just a “”tough”” interior comparison
XTRAIL’s “”Osha Interior”” Style Surpasses Harrier’s!
In July 2022, Nissan fully remodeled its flagship SUV, the xtrail. This model is the fourth generation of the XTRAIL, and while it inherits the “”tough gear”” image that has been consistent with previous models, the new model is characterized by a significantly improved quality feel.
The price range of 3 to 4 million yen is also on par with Toyota’s popular Harrier SUV. Luxurious interior specifications that are as good as those of the Harrier, an urban premium model, are also available, and the new xtrail strengthened its presence as a competitor.This is the xtrail! Osha sofa interior!”” Tough Gear Becomes a Luxury Car View 56 Photos of the New XTRAIL Interior
The quality of the new XTRAIL, now in its fourth generation and with greatly improved quality, has surpassed that of the HARRIER! (Left) Nissan’s new XTRAIL / (Right) Toyota’s HARRIER].
Since its first generation debut in 2000, Nissan has consistently given the xtrail a 4WD system that can withstand rough roads, a waterproof interior, and rough-use cargo floor boards, establishing the “”tough gear”” image.
The new model introduced this time continues to promote such a character, while also incorporating the innovative technologies of the second-generation e-POWER and the e-4ORCE electric drive four-wheel control technology.
The interior and exterior design also inherits the toughness of previous generations, while giving it a quality feel appropriate for the quiet driving that e-POWER provides.
The front two-tiered headlights are arranged with the position lamps and turn lamps in the upper section and the main lamps in the lower section, creating a crisp and tight impression. The rear combination lamps, with their intricate and sparkling appearance, are also of high quality.
The body color range includes seven high-quality monotone colors and five two-tone colors, for a total of 12 patterns, including the new “”Cardinal Red,”” a deep and vivid evolution of the red that has been the image color of previous generations.
In the interior, in addition to the grades that use the conventional “”Cellcloth”” waterproof seats, the “”G”” and “”G e-4ORCE”” grades have adopted the next-generation “”Taylor Fit”” seat material, which is highly durable and comfortable to the touch and envelops the driver in a moist environment.
In addition, the G and G e-4ORCE grades are available with optional high-grade genuine nappa leather, which is tanned with chrome and is characterized by its suppleness and softness to the touch.
The bright and luxurious mood of the tan-colored interior completely dispels the conventional “”tough gear”” image of the G e-4 ORCE, giving it an atmosphere that is appropriate for a luxury SUV.
The top grade G e-4ORCE (4WD) is priced at 449,000 yen including consumption tax. Nappa leather can be installed for only 88,000 yen extra.
The high-end grade of Toyota’s Harrier, which is its rival, is the G “”Leather Package”” Hybrid E-Four, priced at 4,520,000 yen. The aluminum wheel size is 18 inches and is combined with an 8-inch display audio system.
The Harrier’s leather interior model is also available above it, the “”Z “”Leather Package”” Hybrid E-Four”” (5,540,000 yen). This model has large-diameter 19-inch alloy wheels and also comes standard with a 12.3-inch large-screen navigation system and JBL sound system.
Incidentally, the new Extrale G e-4ORCE has large-diameter 19-inch wheels and a 12.3-inch wide-screen navigation system as standard equipment (the BOSE sound system is a set option with other equipment), indicating that it is priced and set with the two higher Harrier grades strongly in mind. The BOSE sound system is a set option with other equipment.
The interior color of the genuine leather seats on the high-end Harrier is basically black, but a brown interior is available as a free option.
The seats are still black, but the stitching is brown, and the center console and door panels are decorated in brown, giving the interior a unique mood.
* * * * *
The new xtrail went on sale on July 25. According to Nissan’s announcement, as of August 7, approximately two weeks later, orders for the new XTRAIL had already reached 12,213 units.
Of the initial orders, 61% are for the high-end G/G e-4ORCE grades, 30% of which have Nappa leather seats as an option.
It is evident that the luxurious specifications that have opened up a new world view of the new XTRAIL are highly appreciated by users.
“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.
It’s like an EV!The new Nissan “X-Trail” world’s first turbo + e-POWER is smooth and powerful!
“Nissan’s new XTRAIL, the world’s first turbo + e-POWER is smooth and powerful! Test Drive
Tuesday, September 13, 18:10Why was the Japanese version introduced later than the U.S. version?
The new xtrail (Rogue in North America) was announced in the U.S. market in the fall of 2020, while the Japanese version finally went on sale in July 2022.Back to its roots with a square body! See 36 photos of the new XTRAIL with tough equipment and enhanced quality.
Why was the launch of the XTRAIL in Japan much later than in the U.S.?
Unlike the U.S., where fuel economy regulations are less stringent, Japan’s CAFE (Corporate Average Fuel Economy) is so strict that “”it cannot be cleared with a normal engine,”” so when developing the Japanese version, the VC Turbo (variable compression ratio engine) with its overwhelmingly superior thermal efficiency and Nissan’s e-POWER hybrid system Nissan’s hybrid The e-POWER system is installed.
Tough gear and high quality coexist in Nissan’s new xtrail.
Conversely, the adoption of the VC Turbo and e-POWER as power units is a major feature of the new xtrail. Incidentally, this power unit is said to be a world first.
Rather than explain the detailed mechanism, I would like to introduce the sensation of driving the new XTRAIL.
When the driver selects D range and starts driving, the on-board lithium battery activates the motors mounted on the front and rear wheels, and the vehicle runs. 100% electric vehicle to start with. However, the batteries are small and quickly deplete.
After a while, the VC Turbo starts using the generator as a motor. There is no “”whoosh”” shock at all when starting with the cellular motor. Since the car is already moving, it is so quiet and smooth that the driver does not notice that the engine has started.
When the engine starts, it drives a generator to generate electricity. That electricity is used to turn the running motor and accelerate the car. No transmission! And no “”slippery”” feeling like a CVT!
During gentle driving with little acceleration, the VC turbo is operated at optimum fuel efficiency (high compression ratio). Furthermore, the smaller displacement 1.5-liter engine is mounted in the XTRAIL’s body, which is normally equipped with a 2.5-liter engine, resulting in extremely low vibration and noise.
When driving the new XTRAIL around town or on ordinary roads with flowing traffic, it is so gentle that one forgets that it is equipped with an engine. It is comfortable.
From that state, I want you to think that you stepped on the accelerator pedal. Immediately after stepping on the accelerator pedal, the car generates 60 horsepower plus α from the lithium battery and drives on. For moderate acceleration, the car responds instantly when the accelerator pedal is depressed, giving it the feel of an electric car.
This is enough to cover acceleration in town. It is even more responsive than Toyota’s hybrid cars. I think this is the e-POWER’s strong point.
After a slight delay, the engine starts generating electricity to power the generator, and full-fledged acceleration begins.
The maximum system output of the new xtrail is 204ps (engine 144ps + battery 60ps), so you can see the dynamic performance of a car with a 2.5 to 3 liter engine.
In this condition, the VC turbo has a low compression ratio, making it a powerful and efficient turbocharger.
In any case, it is definitely a great power unit that is smooth, drivable, and powerful.
For reference, practical fuel economy is around 16 km/L in normal city driving. In congested city traffic, fuel economy of around 14 km/L can be expected.
If you have a chance to test drive the new xtrail, please consider that the VC Turbo + e-POWER delivers high fuel economy, quiet, powerful, and smooth driving.
It’s like an EV! Nissan’s new XTRAIL, the world’s first turbo + e-POWER is smooth and powerful! Test Drive
Ride comfort… …Passable for an SUV with room to spare!
How about the body and suspension of the new XTRAIL? Here too, as with the power unit, “”quiet and smooth”” is the goal.Nissan’s new xtrail
There are two major points. When you turn the steering wheel, you will feel “”something good! feeling when you turn the steering wheel.
This is due to the adoption of a costly double pinion steering system. This steering system is naturally linear, so the car drives straight on highways and does not get dizzy on curves.
The rigidity of the suspension mountings allows the vehicle to move well.
If you ask me if it scores a perfect 100, it rattles a bit on rough surfaces, but if I were to rate it as a comfortable ride for an SUV in this class, I would give it a very comfortable score.
Korean Hankook tires are standard equipment, but de”
New Red Demand for Suzuki Jimny 5-Door Sparks Color Controversy.
ByPawaniHigh expectations surround the Suzuki Jimny 5-door as it made its grand entrance into the Indian market in early 2023. Impressions and videos from India have already been circulating, building anticipation for its eventual release in Japan. Yet, one question lingers: why isn’t the striking red body color available in Japan?
In India, the Jimny 5-door boasts a straightforward lineup comprising two grades: “Zeta” and “Alpha.” In addition to classic monochrome options like white, blue, and gray, Indian customers have the opportunity to choose from two-tone body colors like “yellow/black” and “red/black.” It’s the absence of the red hue that piques curiosity in Japan. While similar shades are available, red remains conspicuously absent.
The reason behind this color discrepancy appears to be rooted in regional preferences. Once upon a time, red cars were all the rage in Japan, particularly “red sports cars” that were the envy of many drivers. This penchant for red extended beyond sports cars to minivans and rugged 4WD vehicles. However, a prevailing perception emerged that “red paint fades easily,” which led people in rain-prone Japan to steer clear of the color.
Mazda played a pivotal role in reshaping the perception of red. Starting with the CX-5 in 2012, Mazda adopted red as the image color for their models, introducing hues like Soul Red Premium Metallic, Soul Red Crystal Metallic, Artisan Red Premium Metallic, and more. The rarity of red in other automakers’ offerings helped Mazda’s red colors gain popularity. These hues appealed to drivers who desired a car with a distinctive personality that set them apart.
Interestingly, there is a parallel between fashion and cars in Japan. Just as primary colors tend to be popular during good economic times and achromatic colors during bad times, a similar trend is observable in car color preferences. In the late 2010s, Japan experienced an outdoor boom, influencing fashion and car colors alike. During economic prosperity, bright outdoor fashion and car colors were prevalent, but as the trend shifted towards low-visibility colors, these too gained prominence in the automotive world.
The Jimny 5-door aligns with this trend by offering both “low-visibility colors” that blend with nature and “high-visibility colors” like yellow, catering to professionals such as forestry workers. Jungle green is the most favored color among buyers, followed closely by black and ivory, despite Suzuki initially promoting yellow as its image color.
Surveys by a research company reveal that red remains the top choice for a “cool car” in countries like India, Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia. In Asia, which is currently experiencing rapid motorization, the allure of the color red remains strong.
While Suzuki did have red options in some of its earlier models, such as the first-generation Escudo and X-90, the urban-oriented colors didn’t align with the image Japanese consumers had of wild SUV styles, limiting their popularity.
Suzuki, however, isn’t ruling out the possibility of offering red in Japan in the future, should the market demand it. Given current Japanese tastes, colors like sand beige and blue-gray might become more popular choices down the road.
Surprisingly Affordable Nissan’s Elgrand Minivan Dominates Luxury Segment with 13 Years of Success
ByPawaniThe luxury minivan segment is currently experiencing a surge in popularity, with new models being introduced by top automakers. Lexus recently unveiled the second generation of its flagship minivan, the “LM,” in Japan, while Toyota’s “Alphard/Vellfire” underwent a complete redesign. In this competitive landscape, Nissan’s top-end minivan, the “Elgrand,” now in its 13th year since its debut, offers surprisingly affordable options.
The first Elgrand was launched in 1997, pioneering the concept of luxury minivans with its robust exterior, spacious and opulent interior, and powerful performance. The current third-generation model, fully remodeled in August 2010, retained the dignified design and driving prowess while introducing a low-center-of-gravity platform and transitioning from a rear-wheel drive (FR) layout to front-wheel drive (FF). The height of the Elgrand was reduced to 1,815 mm, significantly improving steering stability compared to its predecessors. The powertrain options include a 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder engine, a robust 3.5-liter engine generating a maximum output of 280 horsepower and a torque of 344 Nm, and a 5.0-liter V-type 6-cylinder engine. All variants come paired with a CVT transmission.
Over the years, the Elgrand has undergone multiple updates, including a significant facelift in 2014. The exterior now showcases a distinct grille design with a checkered pattern and offers two options: black chrome and satin chrome, depending on the trim level. The headlights feature signature LED position lamps, enhancing the vehicle’s visual appeal. Furthermore, Nissan has made substantial advancements in its driver assistance systems since the initial launch. All Elgrand models come standard with intelligent cruise control, collision mitigation braking, lane departure warning, rear and side collision prevention, and sign detection functions.
Currently, the Elgrand lineup consists only of the “Highway Star” grade, which comes equipped with aero parts. There is no basic grade available without these aerodynamic enhancements. Nissan also offers specialized versions of the Elgrand, such as the “Elgrand AUTECH” developed by Nissan Motorsport & Customize (NMC), which focuses on custom parts for Nissan vehicles. Additionally, a 4-seater model called the “VIP” caters to the demand for enhanced rear seat equipment and chauffeur-driven experiences.
Interestingly, the Elgrand offers surprisingly affordable options within the luxury minivan segment. The “250Highway STAR S” 2WD model is the cheapest variant, priced at 4,038,100 yen (tax included), with both 7-seater and 8-seater options available at the same price point. While this grade omits certain functional equipment such as the driver’s side power sliding door, automatic back door, and front power seat, and uses Neo Sophie/Jacquard fabric material instead of genuine leather for the seat fabric, it still offers standard features like the passenger seat ottoman, folding function, captain seat with ottoman (for 7-seater models), and advanced driving support functions.
Compared to its main rival, the new Alphard, which is expected to cost around 5.4 million yen, and the luxury minivan LM, which is anticipated to have an even higher price tag, the Elgrand remains relatively affordable. It is worth noting that the “e-POWER Highway Star V” grade of Nissan’s recently released “Serena” minivan, priced at 3,686,100 yen, is not far off from the Elgrand’s price range, with a difference of only about 400,000 yen.
However, the absence of hybrid options like the Serena’s e-POWER system and the Alphard/Vellfire’s HEV models could be seen as a drawback for the Elgrand. Moreover, with the introduction of new competitors like the reintroduced “Odyssey” model, the Elgrand might face challenges in maintaining its position in the luxury minivan market. While the Elgrand’s relatively affordable pricing for a top-end minivan attracts customers, considering its 13-year run, it may be time for Nissan to unveil the next generation of this “original luxury minivan.