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The long-awaited “e-POWER 4WD” is now available on Nissan “Kicks”! With the evolved driving and interior, will it be rolled up?
“The long-awaited “”e-POWER 4WD”” is now available in Nissan’s “”KIX””! Will the improved driving and interior make a comeback?
Nissan Kicks X FOUR 4WD model (photo: Two Tone Interior Edition)Nissan Kicks X FOUR 4WD model (photo: Two Tone Interior Edition)Nissan Kicks X FOUR 4WD model (photo: Two Tone Interior Edition) added to the upgraded model range.
On July 19, 2022, Nissan announced minor changes to its KIX compact SUV, adding a long-awaited 4WD model to the lineup, which goes on sale the same day.The Kicks, which was introduced about two years ago, is an SUV, but all models in the lineup are FWD-only. Since the Kicks was manufactured for South America from 2016, 4WD was not needed as much as in Japan. The reason why 4WD was not available for the Japanese introduction was that there was no suitable 4WD system that could be combined with the e-POWER (e-4WD for compact cars was The reason for this may be that there was no suitable 4WD system to combine with e-POWER (e-4WD for compact cars is insufficient).
e-POWER 4WD with two motors in the front and rear
Nissan KIX X FOUR 4WD model (photo: Two Tone Interior Edition), newly added to the upgraded KIX lineup.
With the recent renewal, the KIX’s e-POWER system is now the second-generation e-POWER system, the same as that of the Note series. Of course, the 4WD model added to the lineup is also the same. It is an e-POWER 4WD model that uses the 1.2-liter 3-cylinder gasoline engine (maximum output 60 kW, maximum torque 103 Nm) for power generation and has two motors: a front motor (100 kW, 280 Nm) and a rear motor (50 kW, 100 Nm). The system output of the front and rear motors is 150 kW and 280 Nm, respectively. The system output of the front and rear motors is 150 kW and 380 Nm, respectively, and with such a large amount of torque, powerful acceleration is achieved despite the vehicle’s 1480 kg weight (1360 kg for FWD).The cabin is quiet during normal driving, with only a slight electronic “”hiss”” coming from the front. When the driver accelerates by stepping on the accelerator pedal more, the engine finally starts and accelerates at once. The response to acceleration is exceptionally good, depending on how hard you step on the accelerator pedal. Also, when decelerating, regenerative braking is applied to the front and rear wheels, so it is easy to see that forward pitching is suppressed.
During gentle acceleration while turning a gentle corner, the car turns quickly and smoothly along the corner. According to Ryozo Hirakou, expert leader of the Powertrain EV Technical Development Division and manager of the Technical Planning Department of the Planning and Advanced Technology Development Division, “”This is one of the scenes where e-POWER 4WD excels. Even when turning downhill, the vehicle traces the corner with little corrective steering, so there is no sense of fear. It is a very reassuring driving experience.
According to Hiroyuki Togashi, Vehicle Planning & Performance Planning Department, Vehicle Planning & Performance Planning Division, Vehicle Planning & Elemental Technology Development Group, Nissan aims for “”Confidence Drive”” in dynamic performance, and with the Kicks, the driver can accelerate and turn in any situation. The goal was to create a car that is reliable in both snow and wet conditions. The limiting performance is the same for any car, as the anti-skid system intervenes to ensure the same behavior. The driver wanted to deliver comfort and ease of driving that would be recognized when driving in the city.
Notebook-style electric shift and center console
Nissan KIX X FOUR 4WD model (photo: Two Tone Interior Edition), added to the upgraded KIX lineup.
With this facelift, the Kicks, like the Note series, now has a floating center console and an electric shift type. A pocket is also provided on the underside of the floating center console.Other than that, however, the interior design remained unchanged from the previous Kicks, and key items such as the 12.3-inch digital meters and infomonitor, similar to the new generation Note, Note Aura, and Aria, were not adopted. Since the timing of the product improvement was so opportune, we had hoped that the Kicks would also incorporate these features, but unfortunately, it seems that this was difficult to achieve.
The top-of-the-line “”Style Edition”” grade, with brown interior and major factory-installed options as standard equipment, has been added to both the 2WD and 4WD models. The chic brown color gives the impression of a sophisticated and mature interior.
4WD model starts at 3,060,000 yen
Nissan KIX X FOUR 4WD model (photo: Two Tone Interior Edition), newly added to the upgraded Nissan KIX lineup.
Manufacturer’s suggested retail prices (including tax) range from 2,790,000 to 3,010,000 yen for the FWD version and from 3,060,000 to 3,280,000 yen for the 4WD version, with a difference of approximately 250,000 yen between the FWD and 4WD grades.As the smallest compact SUV in Nissan’s domestic lineup and a model that we hope will become a hot seller, the high entry price may be a bottleneck. However, with ProPilot as standard equipment on all grades, 17-inch tire wheels, six speakers, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, the price is not too high. This SUV is recommended for those who want a compact SUV with a hybrid engine.”
Suzuki is selling a two-seater Jimny truck in Fukushima
Suzuki is selling a two-seater Jimny truck in Fukushima, which has gained attention due to its innovative design. The Jimny is a popular compact SUV model, known for its cross-country capabilities and has been in high demand since its 2018 full model change. While the current model is only available in Japan as a three-door version, a five-door version was released in India in June 2023. Suzuki has also showcased a Jimny Sierra Pickup Style at the Tokyo Auto Salon in 2019, which garnered interest from users hoping for its commercial release. However, the official sale of the five-door or pickup truck versions has not been made in Japan. Nonetheless, a similar model to the Jimny Sierra Pickup Style is being sold by Ishihata Automobile in Fukushima, which has been meticulously crafted and is gaining popularity.
Suzuki has released a two-seater Jimny truck, which has a unique and innovative design that has received a lot of attention. The Jimny truck is produced by Ishibata Automobile and was originally used by the company for their own purposes. The truck gained attention when a local resident posted about it on Twitter, leading to media coverage and numerous inquiries from interested customers. However, due to the time-consuming nature of the modifications and the limited availability of Jimny vehicles, only one or two trucks can be produced per year. The popularity of the Jimny truck reflects the high demand for Jimny vehicles, both new and used.Electrifying Triumph Audi’s SQ8 Sportback e-tron Roars with 500+ Horsepower Unleashed
ByPawaniTokyo, Japan – December 19, 2023
Audi Japan has officially introduced its latest addition to the electric vehicle (EV) lineup, the “SQ8 Sportback e-tron,” on December 19, 2023. This cutting-edge SUV promises a thrilling driving experience with its impressive features and performance.
Audi’s Flagship SUV Coupe Series Gets an Electrifying Upgrade
The SQ8 Sportback e-tron is an electric SUV coupe and the latest installment in Audi’s high-performance “S model” series. Building on the success of the Q8 series, which debuted in Japan in July 2019, this new release marks a significant step towards electrification in the premium SUV market.The Q8 series is known for its distinct frameless doors, low roof, and four-door coupe-like styling, boasting the latest MMI Touch Response infotainment system and a mild hybrid system across all models to enhance fuel efficiency.
Unleashing Electrifying Power and Performance
This powerhouse measures 4915mm in length, 1975mm in width, and 1615mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2930mm. Under the hood, the SQ8 Sportback e-tron impressively features a total of three electric motors – one in the front (157kW) and two in the rear (138kW each). This dynamic trio delivers a staggering maximum system output of 370kW (approximately 504 horsepower) and a peak torque of 973Nm. Accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h is a thrilling experience, taking just 4.5 seconds.Advanced Battery Technology for Extended Range
The SUV incorporates an innovative battery technology that enhances energy density through a unique “stacking method.” This arrangement of electrode materials without gaps allows for a substantial power consumption of 114 kWh, translating to an impressive driving range of 482 km on a single charge (WLTC mode).In typical driving conditions, the rear motor handles operations, while the front motor intervenes during rapid acceleration or slippery situations. Additionally, the rear motor offers independent control over the left and right wheels, featuring an “electric torque vectoring mechanism” that optimizes driving performance.
Striking Design and Luxury Features
The exterior of the SQ8 Sportback e-tron distinguishes itself with wider wheel arches, an S model exclusive bumper, and stylish 20-inch aluminum wheels. The sporty design is further accentuated with silver accents on the front lip, mirror covers, diffuser, and more.Inside, the cabin exudes luxury with predominantly black interiors, exclusive leather seats featuring the S logo and diamond stitching, matte brushed aluminum decorative panels, and a Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system with 16 speakers.
Premium Performance Comes at a Price
The Audi SQ8 Sportback e-tron comes with a premium price tag of 14.92 million yen and is exclusively available in right-hand drive. As Audi continues to push the boundaries of electric mobility, the SQ8 Sportback e-tron stands as a testament to the brand’s commitment to combining high performance with eco-friendly technology.First scoop on the next-generation Suzuki “Swift”! Adoption of new rear door and clam-style hood?
“First Scoop of the Next Suzuki Swift! New Rear Door & Hamaguri Style Hood?
Prototype of the next generation Suzuki Swift (Scoop photo)The full model change of Suzuki’s popular compact hatchback, the Swift, appears to be approaching. The scoop site Spyder7 has obtained an exclusive scoop of a prototype vehicle of the next model.
The first generation Swift was introduced in 2000 as a crossover-style compact car, using body panels from the “”kei”” minicar. Since then, it has been upgraded as a global model, and the sporty “”Swift Sports”” has also gained popularity in Japan and overseas. The current 4th generation model was launched in 2017. The next model is expected to be introduced in 2023, marking the first full model change in six years.
The prototype vehicle, code-named “”YED,”” has a fully camouflaged body with unknown details. The front end reveals a “”clam-shell”” hood and some of the slim headlights. The bumper also reveals wide oval air intakes on the lower part of the bumper.
From the side of the body, the roofline is slightly more sloped than before. Even so, the Swift-like silhouette seems to have been maintained. The biggest change is the position of the rear seat door handle, which was embedded in the C-pillar but is now located on the side of the door. The rear window is more trapezoidal in shape. Also visible are some of the newly designed LED taillights and reflectors mounted on the lower rear bumper.
The next model will also adopt Suzuki’s lightweight and highly rigid “”Heartect”” platform, and will be equipped with a 1.2-liter inline four-cylinder plus mild hybrid powertrain. The Swift Sport is expected to combine a 1.4-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine with an ISG 48V mild hybrid system.
The world premiere of the next Swift is expected in 2023. The Swift Sport is expected to appear around six months to a year after that. As cost performance is one of the selling points of the Swift/Swift Sport, the price of the next model is also a matter of concern. We will keep you posted as soon as we get further information.”
The 5-door version of the Suzuki Jimny unveiled on January 2023!
Is it possible to “stay overnight in a car”? How does the long-awaited new Suzuki “Jimny 5-door” rear seat and cargo area “usability” differ from that of the “3-door”?
Even the 3-door version can “”stay in the car””! Longer 5-door version is even easier!
On January 12, 2023, Suzuki unveiled the world premiere of the new Jimny 5-door at Auto Expo 2023, an auto show held on the outskirts of Delhi, India.
The new Jimny 5-door has an overall length of 435 mm and a wheelbase of 340 mm longer than the previous 3-door model, but how has the usability of the rear seats and cargo area been improved?Rear Seats and Cargo Space “”Wider! Photos of the new Jimny 5-door and 3-door
The buzz is loud and clear! The 5-door version of the Suzuki “”Jimny”” unveiled on January 12, 2023! The car is scheduled to go on sale in India in 2023, but there is no word on its launch in Japan!
The Jimny is Suzuki’s compact 4-wheel drive vehicle that has been in production for over 50 years since the first model appeared in 1970.
Based on the Japanese version, which was built under the mini standard framework, a version with a larger engine displacement and other features has been released overseas as well, and has developed into a global model sold in more than 190 countries and regions around the world.
The current model is the fourth generation, fully remodeled in July 2018. In addition to the light version of the Jimny, a smaller version, the Jimny Sierra, is available, sharing the same body frame but with enlarged fenders and a 1.5-liter engine.
The body size of the Jimny is 3395 mm (length) x 1475 mm (width) x 1725 mm (height) and 2250 mm (wheelbase (distance between front and rear axles), while the Jimny Sierra is 3550 mm (length) x 1645 mm (width) x 1730 mm (height) and has a common wheelbase of 2250 mm. (All figures are for Japanese specifications).
In January 2023, five years after its debut, a five-door version was born as a new addition to the lineup.
The announced body size of the Indian-spec Jimny 5-door is 3985 mm (length) x 1645 mm (width) x 1720 mm (height) with a wheelbase of 2590 mm, which is 435 mm longer in length and 340 mm longer in wheelbase compared to the dimensions of the Jimny Sierra.
However, the body size of the Japanese version indicates the dimensions from the front bumper to the rear bumper, and does not include the dimensions of the spare tire protruding from the back door.
For reference, the overall length of the European-spec Jimny (3-door, including rear tires) is 3,645 mm, and compared to this, the overall length difference between the 5-door version is 340 mm, exactly the same as the difference in wheelbase.
Similarly, the overall length of the new Indian-spec Jimny 5-door (3985 mm) includes the overhang of the tires.
Therefore, it is expected that the 340mm increase in wheelbase is used to expand the rear seat legroom and cargo space.
Suzuki explains that the rear seats are exclusive to the 5-door model, and there is a possibility that the size, shape, and specifications of the seats may differ from those of the 3-door model.
However, since the width of the car itself has not changed, it is believed that the rear seats will seat two people, just like the regular Jimny.
Current Jimny users who enjoy outdoor leisure activities use the roof carrier or fold the rear seats forward to accommodate cargo that cannot fit in the compact cargo space.
With the new Jimny 5-door, it is likely to be possible to secure the rear seats and carry four adults while also loading cargo.
The Japanese specifications of Jimny and Jimny Sierra are equipped with a “”stain-resistant type luggage floor”” (luggage box), which makes the cargo area flat when the rear seats are folded forward.
By folding the front seats backward and folding down the headrests to integrate the rear seats with the floor, a full flat cargo space is created.
Although the Jimmy 3-door (Jimmy Sierra) is very compact with an overall length of only 3.5 meters, it is long enough for two adults to stay overnight in the car.
If the same trick is possible with the new Jimny 5-door, it will provide even more room for overnight stay.
However, the Indian version announced this time is not equipped with a luggage box, so when the rear seats are folded down, there is a gap between the luggage compartment and the cargo area.
As of January 2023, there has been no official announcement as to whether or not the model will be launched in Japan, but we expect that the Japanese version will have similar features.
New car price 20 million yen class! R-1 champion shows off his car BMW “i8”! Do you have any “worries” that you inadvertently vomit?
“New car price: 20 million yen! R-1 champion shows off his favorite car, BMW “”i8″”! What “”troubles”” did he unintentionally reveal?
New car price of 20 million class! Showing off his beloved BMW on the show!
The TBS morning show “”Lavit! (Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.), a luxury sports car BMW “”i8″” appeared on the July 7, 2022 episode.The butterfly doors are too cool! The R-1 champion’s favorite car, the new 20-million-yen luxury BMW “”i8″”
BMW “”i8
The guest on the program that day was Shinichi Okimae, a comedian who won the 20th R-1 Grand Prix, a competition to determine the best pin-up comedian in Japan, and who was also the winner of the show.
In the opening corner, where the theme was “”What I started recently,”” Shinichi said, “”I started driving a luxury car.
He continued, “”I drove it again today,”” and moved to the parking lot of TBS to introduce his car.
Shinichi then reappeared in his beloved i8.
When asked about the price of the car by the program’s MC, Akira Kawashima of Kirin, Shinichi said, “”A new car costs about 20 million yen, but Mr. Yoshimura gave it to me as a gift,”” and confessed that he had received it from Takashi Yoshimura of the comedy duo Heisei Nobushi Kobushi.
In fact, Shinichi said that when he appeared on a TV Asahi variety show, he passionately expressed his feelings for Yoshimura, a regular on the show, and was given the car as a gift.
Since then, Shinichi has been enjoying the car life of the i8. He says that he “”enjoys driving”” the car, which is numbered “”31-90,”” after his entry number when he won the R-1 Grand Prix.
However, because it is a luxury car, he says that he has to spend a lot of money on insurance and parking fees, and he also confides that the monthly maintenance cost of the car is over 80,000 yen.
The i8 is a 1.5-liter car with a 1.5-liter engine.
The i8 is an electric sports car that combines a 1.5-liter inline 3-cylinder turbo engine with a PHEV system.
The car was introduced in 2014 with a coupe version, with a convertible version added in 2018, and was in production until 2020.
It also features elegant butterfly doors and is priced at around 20 million yen when new.”