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    Toyota Hilux GR Sport Indonesia

    Hilux   Toyota Hilux GR Sport Indonesia Arrives With a Tougher Identity Toyota Hilux GR Sport Indonesia has officially launched, giving the global pickup a more aggressive and sport-focused identity in one of its important Southeast Asian markets. Introduced by Toyota’s Indonesian subsidiary on December 7, the new Hilux GR Sport was described locally as…

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    Subaru New Crosstrek (XV) VS Honda New Vezel Thorough Comparison

    The new Subaru Crosstrek (XV) vs. the new Honda Vezel – In-depth comparison
    Comparison of competing models.

    Subaru fully remodeled the Crosstrek (former Japanese model name: Subaru XV) and unveiled the Japanese prototype for the first time in the world on September 15, 2022, which will be launched in 2023. Honda fully remodeled the new “Vezel” and announced on April 22, 2021 and released on April 23, 2021. We compared the competition based on the specifications of the competing models.

    About the specifications of the new Subaru Crosstrek
    As the successor to the “SUBARU XV,” the Subaru “CROSSTREK” name has been unified globally. The new “CROSSTREK” SUV further accentuates the distinctive design of the previous model and has a more refined dynamic quality. In addition to the new-generation EyeSight system, a wide-angle monocular camera has been adopted for the first time in a Japanese version to achieve high safety performance. The collision safety potential of the Subaru Global Platform, which has been highly acclaimed in previous models, has been further enhanced by incorporating the latest knowledge and technologies, such as a full inner frame structure, expanded application of structural adhesives, and increased rigidity of suspension attachment points. For frontal collisions, a collision sub-frame has been added that extends the bumper beam to the outside of the vehicle. In a collision against a vehicle, not only the collision safety of the own vehicle but also the performance to protect the occupants on the other side (compatibility) has been improved. As with the Legacy Outback, a new frontal collision test, MPDB (Mobile Progressive Deformable Barrier), has been introduced to evaluate compatibility based on the assumption of an actual frontal collision. The Subaru STARLINK, a connected function not found on the previous generation XV, is adopted.

    Exterior Design

    The high hood position gives a sense of thickness and expresses muscularity. Sharp front grille bars and LED headlamps give the front mask a nimble and intrepid image. Full LED high and low beam lamps and LED cornering lamps are adopted for the first time on a Subaru. 18-inch alloy wheels are adopted on the high-end grades. A total of nine exterior colors are available, including the new Offshore Blue Metallic and Oasis Blue.

    Interior Design

    The instrument panel design is simple yet expressive, with a multi-layered, multi-material structure that makes the most of the textures of each material. The center console’s upper surface has been raised to express a sense of envelopment and quality, and its operability has been improved. In addition, the interior is designed to be user-friendly, with a full range of storage space. The higher grade comes with fabric (silver stitching). The standard grade has tricot (silver stitching). Leather seats are available as a factory-installed option. A new 11.6-inch center information display with a large screen has been adopted to greatly enhance smartphone connectivity. Subaru’s first “Digital Multi-View Monitor” that synthesizes images from four cameras and displays a 360° view of the vehicle’s surroundings.

    Adoption of new-generation EyeSight
    Triple camera (stereo camera unit + wide-angle monocular camera) is adopted for improved performance. The new stereo camera unit significantly increases the angle of view to approximately twice that of the previous model. The image recognition software and control software have been improved to enable recognition of a wider and more distant range. In addition to the windshield-mounted type, a lens hood was adopted to prevent accidental contact with the lens. A wide-angle monocular camera (a first in the Subaru Japanese market) is newly adopted to recognize motorcycles/pedestrians at a wider angle than the new stereo camera when driving at low speeds. It expands the situations that can be handled by the pre-crash brake and achieves the best performance as the previous generation EyeSight.

    Specifications of the new Subaru Crosstrek
    The gasoline model 1.6L horizontally opposed 4-cylinder DOHC engine used until the XV has been eliminated. 2.0L horizontally opposed 4-cylinder DOHC engine
    FB20 direct-injection engine + motor-assisted “e-BOXER” model.

    Subaru Fully Remodels the XV as the All-New “Crosstrek” Announced for September 15, 2022
    Subaru unveiled the Japan-specification prototype of the all-new CROSSTREK for the first time in the world on September 15, 2022. The new model, the third generation of the CROSSTREK, will feature the “CROSSTREK” which has been used in different markets…

    About the specifications of the all-new “Vezel
    The fully redesigned “Vezel” is based on the fourth-generation “Fit” and inherits its predecessor’s “center tank layout” based on Honda’s unique M-M concept. While maintaining the compact body size, easy handling, and versatile seating arrangements, the exterior proportions have evolved to be more powerful and beautiful. The headlights feature “LED sequential turn lamps (flowing indicators). Honda Sensing” is standard equipment on all models. As can be seen in the photo, the rear of the car has a sleek coupe form. The overall length, width, and height are 4,340 mm, 1,790 mm, and 1,590 mm, respectively, and the wheelbase is 2,610 mm, making it a 3-number size SUV.

    The VEZEL features a panorama roof (with Low-E glass), a liberating sunroof, two-tone exterior colors, tricolor decorations, and a hands-free access power tailgate with a reserved-close function.

    The interior panels have a horizontal, linear design based on the HMI (human-machine interface) concept, which reduces eye movement, arranges controls along the line of flow, and improves visibility. The instrument cluster is the same 4.2-inch or 7.0-inch instrument cluster used in the new Accord, Insight, and other models. The interior front seats feature new-generation “body stabilizing seats” newly developed for installation in high-end sedans, which provide soft and comfortable seating that reduces fatigue even after long hours of driving, and an “auto brake hold” function that allows the driver to take his or her foot off the brake pedal while the vehicle is stopped. The “Auto Brake Hold” function allows the driver to take his/her foot off the pedal while the vehicle is stopped and release the brake pedal when the accelerator pedal is depressed, making it useful in traffic jams and other situations. The “telescopic and tilt steering mechanism” allows drivers of all sizes to drive in the best position. The “parking brake system” is adopted. The center display features the “9-inch Honda CONNECT Honda Display. It is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Honda CONNECT,” an in-vehicle communication module exclusively for Honda vehicles, is installed. It features “Honda Digital Key” that substitutes a smartphone for a key, “Honda App Center” and “In-car Wi-Fi” that allows users to purchase data communication capacity in the car and enjoy connecting to the Internet.

    The 1.5L i-VTEC engine + “i-MMD (e:HEV)” of the two-motor hybrid system is adopted, which achieves WLTC mode fuel economy of 24.8km/L. The “e:HEV” offers a choice of three different driving modes: NORMAL, SPORT, and ECON. In addition, different degrees of deceleration can be selected when the accelerator is turned off in the D-range, B-range, and deceleration selector.

    Click here for information on the new Vezel
    Honda’s new Bezel fully remodeled with e:HEV to be launched on April 23, 2021

    Also read

    Honda’s new Bezel fully remodeled with e:HEV, to be launched on April 23, 2021
    Honda will fully remodel the Vezel and launch it on April 23, 2021 with an announcement on April 22, 2021. A teaser was also released along with the…
    Subaru’s new “Crosstrek” vs. Honda’s new “Vezel” body size comparison
    The “Crosstrek” is larger, with overall length + 140 mm, width + 10 mm, and height – 10 mm. The Yaris Cross has a wheelbase of +60 mm.

    VEZEL
    Crosstrek
    Specifications New VEZEL New Crosstrek
    Overall length 4,340mm 4,480mm
    Overall width 1,790mm 1,800mm
    Overall height 1,590mm 1,580mm
    Wheelbase 2,610mm 2,670mm
    Minimum turning radius 5.3-5.5m 5.4m
    VESEL
    Crosstrek
    Comparison of the new Subaru Crosstrek and the new Honda Vezel hybrid models
    Specifications New VZEL New Crosstrek
    Engine 1.5L i-VTEC engine
    + New i-MMD
    (e:HEV) 2.0L Horizontally-Opposed 4-Cylinder DOHC
    FB20 direct injection engine
    + motor-assisted “e-BOXER
    Maximum output 72kW (98ps)
    5,600-6,400rpm 107kW (145ps)/6,000rpm
    6,000rpm
    Maximum torque 127Nm (13.0kgfm)
    4,500-5,000rpm 188Nm (19.2kgfm) / 4,000rpm
    4,000rpm
    Motor
    Maximum output 80kW (109PS)
    3,500-8,000rpm 10kW (13.6ps)
    Motor
    Maximum torque 253Nm (25.8kgfm)
    0-3,000rpm 65Nm (6.6kgm)
    Transmission
    Transmission Electric
    Stepless transmission CVT (Lineartronic)
    Drivetrain 2WD/4WD AWD
    WLTC mode
    Fuel economy 24.8km/L (2WD)
    22.0km/L (4WD) 15.0km/L (4WD)
    Price (10%) 2,658,700 yen~
    3,298,900 yen – yen
    Comparison of safety technologies between the new Subaru “Crosstrek” and the new Honda “Vezel
    Both are equipped with a number of class-leading safety features to support the driver. System Equipment The new Vesel The new Crosstrek
    Collision mitigation brake system ◯ ◯
    Accident departure control system ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯
    Pedestrian collision mitigation steering
    Off-road departure control function
    ACC with traffic jam follow-on function
    Lane keeping assist system
    Car ahead departure alert function
    Sign recognition function
    Rear-end vehicle departure control function
    Automatic high beams
    Short-range collision mitigation brake function
    Blind-spot monitor
    Information may be incorrect due to pre-launch information.

    Comparison of equipment between the new Subaru Crosstrek and the new Honda Vezel
    System The new Vezel The new Crosstrek
    Auto Brake & Hold ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯
    Display audio system
    Multi-view camera system Fat
    Hill start assist
    Connected services
    The information may be incorrect because it is based on the latest automobile information and includes pre-launch information.

    One last comment
    The new Vezel is equipped with a hybrid system (e:HEV) and has excellent fuel economy of 24.8km/L under the WLTC mode, while the new Crosstrek has a fuel economy of 15.0km/L under the WLTC mode. In terms of price, the Vesel is cheaper to start. The design is hard to say, as there are different likes and dislikes, but it seems certain that the Crosstrek will become a rival model of the Vezel.

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    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, 18:10

    Why 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”

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    Nissan new 4th generation “X-Trail” from about 5.3 million yen in English! Local specifications also appeared and reservations started .

    “Nissan’s New 4th Generation “”XTRAIL”” Starting at about 5.3 Million Yen in the UK! Local specifications are now available and reservations are now being accepted

    12V mild hybrid version is only available in 2WD
     Nissan’s UK subsidiary announced the local specifications of the new xtrail on September 6, 2022 (local time), and also announced that the price in the UK market will start at 32,030 pounds (about 5.3 million yen in Japanese currency). Reservations have been accepted locally since the same day.

    Nissan’s new SUV XTRAIL in a row! See the actual vehicle in 47 images.

    Nissan’s new 4th generation “”XTRAIL”” also unveiled in the European market

     The all-new XTRAIL is the fourth generation of the family-oriented SUV, which has a history of more than 20 years and has sold approximately 7 million units worldwide.

     In Japan, the new (4th generation) XTRAIL was launched on July 25, 2022.

     The new xtrail in the European market, including the one for the UK, is available in two versions: one with the e-POWER series hybrid system and the other with a 12V mild hybrid system.

     The power unit lineup differs from that of the e-POWER-exclusive Japanese version.

     The e-POWER version uses a 1.5-liter variable compression ratio turbocharged gasoline engine exclusively for power generation and runs on a powerful drive motor, delivering a maximum output of 204 hp in the 2WD version and 213 hp in the e-4ORCE version (4WD model).

     The e-Pedal Step, which provides strong deceleration force only by operating the accelerator pedal, has also been adopted.

     The 12V mild hybrid version, which is only available in 2WD, delivers a maximum output of 163 hp and is mated to an Xtronic CVT transmission.

     Advanced features include a 12.3-inch NissanConnect display screen with smartphone connectivity via Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and next-generation ProPilot Assist.

     A new passive safety feature is a center airbag that deploys between the front seats.

     The new European version of the xtrail will be available in 12V mild hybrid versions from 32,030 to 42,520 pounds (5.3 to 7.1 million yen).

     Upgrading to the e-POWER (2WD) version will cost an additional 2,435 pounds (about 400,000 yen), and from there, upgrading to the e-4ORCE (4WD version of the e-POWER) will cost another 2,200 pounds (about 350,000 yen).

     In addition to the 2-row, 5-seat version, a 3-row, 7-seat version is also available as an option.

     Deliveries of the new Nissan xtrail in the UK market are scheduled to begin in October.”

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    Fusion to genuine interior without discomfort … Honda Vezel Part 2 .

    “Fusing with the factory interior without feeling out of place…Honda Vezel Part 2 .
    Blending with the factory interior without any sense of incongruity…Honda Vezel Part 2 [Installation Review]

    Mr. Uno chose the Vezel as a suitable vehicle for audio installation, taking into consideration the luggage space and other factors. The simple and compact front door outer baffle is a favorite of the owner, and the RS Stream 165-3 midbass was installed. The red coloring,
    which was also used effectively in the luggage compartment, was used around the speakers to increase their impact. The color is also highly consistent with the interior.

    The large midrange was cleverly installed built-in on the A-pillar. The press lines on the A-pillar are also beautifully processed. The midrange is smartly installed by creating a flat surface. The RS Stream 165-3 tweeters are mounted behind the door mirrors using a one-off mounting bracket. In the cockpit, the front 3-way is beautifully installed. The doors are colored red, and other unique touches were added in various places.
    Mr. Uno chose RS Audio speakers, a brand he had used in his previous car. In the pursuit of a rich sound, he decided to go with a 3-way system. The cockpit was designed by custom&car Audio Parada in Fukui prefecture.

    The outer baffles of the doors are designed with red as a color accent.
    Mr. Uno chose the Vezel as the most suitable vehicle for the audio installation, considering the luggage space.
    The simple and compact front door outer baffles are a favorite of the owner, who installed RS Stream 165-3 midbass.

    The red coloring, which was also used effectively in the luggage, was used around the speakers to increase their impact. The color is also highly consistent with the interior.
    The red coloring that was also used effectively in the luggage compartment was used around the speakers to increase their impact. The red coloring is also highly consistent with the interior design.
    Mr. Uno’s experience with audio systems has grown considerably through his experience with multiple systems in the past. The theme for the sound of his car this time was “”richness of sound. He chose RS Audio’s RS Stream 165-3, a front three-way model called the Baby Master because it is the second model of the company’s super high-end RS Master.

    Uno, who has always had a good impression of RS Audio’s speakers, saying, “”The rich sound is unbelievable,”” had a high degree of confidence in the Baby Master. He was confident that the Baby Master would be able to deliver the richness of his vocals.

    The highlight of the installation was the door midbass. The red theme color used for the entire luggage floor panel is used for the grille of the speakers, creating a striking design. Red is always used so effectively in the interior coloring that it is known as “”Uno Red”” by audio friends who frequent the store. The baffle treatment was beautifully done using the stock door design of the Vezel, and the door installation was completed to the owner’s satisfaction.

    ◆Large diameter midrange built into the pillar
    Clever design treatment shows the sense of installation.
    The large midrange was installed built-in to the A-pillar. The tweeter is also laid out in close proximity.
    The press lines on the A-pillar are beautifully processed. By creating a flat surface, the midrange is smartly installed.
    The A-pillar’s press line is beautifully processed. The mid-range is smartly installed by creating a flat surface.
    RS Stream 165-3 tweeters are installed with one-off mounting brackets behind the door mirrors.
    RS Stream 165-3 tweeters are installed behind the door mirrors with one-off mounting brackets.
    The RS Stream 165-3 midrange is a very large unit with a 96mm diameter mounting bracket. When the owner first saw it, he had the impression that it was so large that it scared him.

    The original A-pillar press lines were further clarified to create a flat surface at the top position. The midrange is blended into this surface, which is also a good idea.

    The tweeter, on the other hand, is installed behind the door mirror with a one-off mounting bracket, and is placed in close proximity to the midrange on the A-pillar, bringing out the cohesiveness of the sound in the mid and high frequencies. From a design standpoint, another highlight of the project was the beautiful combination created by the proximity of the two units.

    For the speaker cables, the SN-MS7500III from M&M Design, which is highly regarded as a high-level cable, was selected, and the focus was on bringing out the speaker sound of the RS Audio system. The result is a “”thrilling and pleasing sound. The owner of the car is also satisfied with the car’s well-balanced low to high frequency range, which allows the driver to experience a sound of a different dimension.

    Front 3-way speakers are beautifully installed in the cockpit. The red coloring on the doors and other unique touches were added in various places.
    A front 3-way is beautifully installed in the cockpit. The doors are decorated in red and other unique touches are applied in key areas.
    The Helix’s dial indicators are mounted on top of the front window as shown here. Visibility is excellent.

    The AK380 is used as the DAP. The potential of the entire system is brought out by using a well-established high-quality sound DAP.
    AK380 is used for DAP. The potential of the entire system is brought out by using an established high-quality sound DAP.
    A Strada car navigation system is used as the in-vehicle device. In addition to its large screen, it is ideal for everyday use because of its ease of operation, which is unique to in-vehicle equipment.

    Mr. Uno has already reached the realm of a seasoned veteran. He has his own criteria for sound and enjoys upgrading his system in his own way.
    The Helix DSP PRO Mk2 processor is mounted on top of the front window to improve operability and visibility. In addition to the A&K AK380 DAP, a Panasonic Strada car navigation system is also used as an audio source. The use of both the high-quality sound DAP and the easy-to-use in-car navigation system covers a wide range of audio quality from everyday use to the most important moments.

    RS Audio speakers were used in the previous car and fell in love with the sound. This time, we took the richness of the sound one or two steps higher by making them 3-way speakers. In terms of design, the owner’s satisfaction reached its peak with the simplicity of the door installation and the impact of the built-in midrange on the A-pillar, which exceeded his expectations.

    Mr. Uno has gained experience and established his own sound preferences. This time, he did his best to choose a car that would be suitable for the audio system, even the base car. He says he enjoys spending blissful moments every day in a space enveloped by the sound he loves.

    Yasuhiro Tsuchida, Writer
    After working as a digital audio engineer, he became an editor at a publishing company. He worked in the editorial departments of motorcycle and 4WD magazines. After becoming independent, he has been involved in writing for car audio, cars, wristwatches, mono-related, interior, and outdoor-related magazines, and was also contracted to serve as editor-in-chief of a car audio magazine. Currently, he is still active in writing mainly for car audio magazines.”

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    Honda to announce “new SUV” soon.

    “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.”

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