Japanese Car Guide

by Andrea Mella

The new Nissan Teana comes from the tradition of uncompromising Japanesecraftmanship that creates objects of art built for the ages. Thus, no detail has been spared to make the Teana the discerning owner’s ride of choice: real world performance, superb ride and handling, supreme comfort and outstanding build quality. It has an intelligent key that do all the sensors without you even lifting a finger-lock, unlock, and switch on and off. The rear camera, maneuvers in tight conditions has never been easier. Nissan’s Triple-S Safety Concept: Vehicle Dynamic Control, ABS with EBD, SRS Airbags x 6. One test drive, and you’ll know this is the ride you’ve been waiting for.

by Andrea Mella

With the latest Vios, Toyota has come full circle in giving us their new design language- with models targeted to appeal a majority of it’s segment buyer, distinct from other model families without losing Toyota’s attributes. In keeping with their motto “of… the right car at the right time for the right price..” there is hardly an interchangeable line or bulge when one compares the Camry, RAV4, Previa, Hiace Grandia, Corolla and the Vios. There is a little surface interchangeability between the Vios and its 5-door hatch brother, the Yaris, although the two share the same platform. As a business proposition, the Vios has clearly changed its target market. There is still the base version, which still lends itself well as a thrifty and now very spacious taxi, especially if Toyota releases us approved LPG version.

by Andrea Mella

A year after launch and the continued domination of the pick up sector, Mitsubishi has now added the 158 hp 3.2 liter version, the same engine found on the mighty Pajero. This enables Mitsubishi to fend-off challenges from similar high powered pick ups like the new 174 hp Nissan Frontier Navara and the 156 hp Ford Ranger 3.0 liter 5-speed manual. Mitsubishi was careful in making sure that the turbo diesel engines did away with the “crackling” noise on part throttle, an annoying trait in Euro-4 CRDI systems running on our local sulfur-laden fuel. They may have gone overboard with the detailed styling of the lights and the corrugated fuel filler cap, but there is no denying that nothing so utilitarian ever came out so styled. 

by Andrea Mella

Being Japan’s Biggest Car Maker, Toyota not only had the most number of dream transport concepts, it also introduced several new Lexus studies; the lightweight LF-A coupe and LX-F crossover and the IS-F, Lexus challenge to the AMG C36. The new Land Cruiser made it to the 2^nd press day, while the Crown hybrid made its debut. Mitsubishi’s stand  were focused on the Diamante-sized ZT concept and the Mi-EV, a possible mini compact that can slot under the Colt hatchback. Honda’s latest was a very nice re-style of the Fit/Jazz and an entirely new Accord/Inspire that will attempt to elbow into Camry territory.

The 2009 Honda Pilot is a midsize crossover SUV that seats eight passengers in a 3-row interior setting. It was first unveiled as the Pilot Prototype at the North American Auto Show last March.

The car has a 5-speed automatic transmission and is powered by a 250-hp 3.5-liter V6. It is like an improved version of the first generation Honda Pilot. The engineers at Honda added more passenger and cargo space to the car and it seems to work quite well. The car’s value is just right for the enhanced power and economy features.

If you’re someone who’s adventurous, then this solid crossover is for you.

Image Source: http://www.jalopnik.com

Lexus F line is presently Toyota’s luxury division. A hard-edged performance car, the 2008 Lexus IS-F is Toyota’s match to popular luxury vehicles such as the BMW M3, Audi RS4 and Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG.

One can easily notice that the car has a sporty and handsome appeal. It also has an amazingly good sound at high RPM. It’s powered by a 5.0-liter V8 that produces 416 horsepower, a guarantee that it has strong engine performance. The only disadvantage I see is the rock-hard suspension that matches pretty well with fast and furious drivers but not with plain motorists. It could have been better if the suspension has sport and regular modes for a more efficient handling.

But don’t get easily disheartened friends, overall I think it’s still an awesome car that’s worth a serious look.

Image Source: http://www.coolhunting.com

If there is a component of a car that is not in good condition, the risk of accident is high. It is therefore a must for people who buy a car to double-check each car part for possible damage or defect. Just like what happened to Honda’s Accord model units that have been recalled recently.

LeftlaneNews.com reports that Honda has announced a recall of 353,000 units of Accord due to a possible corrosion threat in the windshield wiper system. If undiscovered, the defect could result in water entering the area of the windshield wiper motor that could cause corrosion and failure of the motor.

Honda dealers were tasked to inspect the vehicle for the presence of such a defect. If corrosion is found, the car will be replaced automatically.

For more juicy details, click here.

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This is good news to Japanese car fans in Europe. Autoweek.com reports
that Nissan’s latest Qashqai model, the seven-seater kind, will be unveiled at the London Motor Show slated in July.

Nissan’s seven-seater Qashqai has the same powertrain with the other Qashqai models. Adjustments were made to the suspension and steering to accommodate the excess weight. It also comes with standard equipment such as roof rails and tinted rear windows, among others.

Sale of Qashqai in Europe starts in October while it is not sure when it will be coming to the United States. Customers will have two diesel and two gasoline engine choices for the car. Of course, expect to pay more since this is bigger and longer than the conventional five-seater Qashqai available in the market.

Image Source: http://www.allworldcars.com

Autoblog.com reports that Honda has won the 51st International ‘Red Dot’ Award. The award ceremony will take place on June 23 at Zentrum Nordrhein Westfalen in Germany.

The ‘Red Dot’ is one of the most prestigious and highly-coveted awards for cars. It is impressive to know that among the over 3,000 entries, Honda Accord Tourer has emerged the victor after wowing the international jury with its overall high quality designs.

Congratulations to Honda for winning yet another ‘Red Dot’ award, it’s third actually after bagging the same for its Honda 2000 in 2001 and Honda Civic in 2006. Having won the ‘Red Do’t three times is simply remarkable of Honda. This will surely add another feather to its glittering cap.

Image Source: http://www.worldcarfans.com

All in all, Suzuki has three Kizashi car concepts. The first Kizashi concept was shown at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show. The second Kizashi concept, which was hipper than the first, was unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show last year. Now comes the final Kizashi concept that is more luxurious than its predecessors. Or so the exteriors show.

The Kizashi 3 concept was developed at Suzuki’s Advanced Design Studio in Japan. CarDesignNews.com shares that it measures 4,650mm long, 1,900mm wide and 1,450mm high. It has imposing grille and nice headlamps and taillamps.

The production target for the Kizashi3 concept has not been announced yet, but I bet it will get a huge following. I personally like its exteriors. If reinforced by a good set of engines and some high-tech features, this is going to be a top performer.

Image Source: http://www.automiddleeast.com