In addition to the C-HR Hybrid, this is a list of Toyota Cars with Advanced TSS Safety Features!

 Integrated safety features are one of the newest offers for potential consumers in Indonesia. Some automotive brands emphasize driving safety to minimize the risk of accidents. Toyota is no exception.

Toyota presents the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) feature. This feature consists of several technologies, such as pre-collision system, dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure alert, automatic high beam, cross traffic alert, automatic high beam and blind spot monitor.

Most recently, Toyota pinned TSS on the C-HR Hybrid. This SUV is priced at IDR 582.7 million for the non-premium color variant and IDR 584.2 million for the premium color variant. C-HR adds to the list of Toyota models with this advanced feature in Indonesia. Let's discuss which models have got the advanced safety features of TSS.

Alphard and Vellfire

Toyota's premium MPV (Multi Purpose Vehicle) is the first model to get the TSS feature. Safety features include a pre-collision system, lane departure assist, adaptive cruise control, auto high beam, blind spot monitor and rear cross traffic alert. This feature is available in all Alphard and Vellfire variants.

Regarding the engine, both are offered with a 2AR-FE 2,494 cc engine with 180 PS of power at 6,000 rpm and 234 Nm of torque at 4,100 rpm. The Alphard has a 3.5L engine variant, the 2GR-FKS with 300 PS of power at 6,200 rpm and 360 Nm of torque at 4,700 rpm. 

Toyota Voxy

second model, Voxy. The newly updated MPV gets TSS for added safety and comfort as a family car. TSS features consist of a pre-collision system, lane tracing assist, dynamic radar cruise control, blind spot monitor and automatic high beam.

Voxy uses a 1,986 cc M20A-FKS engine with a power production of 170 PS at 6,600 rpm and 202 Nm of torque at 4,900 rpm.

Toyota Avanza and Veloz

Still from the MPV type, the TSS feature is also embedded in their most popular products, namely Avanza and Veloz. This embedded update makes these two low MPV models more comfortable and secure. Embedded TSS features include lane departure warning and lane departure prevention, pedal misoperation control, front departure alert, pre-collision warning & pre-collision braking, rear crossing traffic alert and blind spot monitoring. The sophistication of this feature can be felt in the top variant of each model.

In terms of performance, both Veloz and Avanza use a 1,495 cc 2NR-Ve engine with a power production of 106 PS at 6,000 rpm and 137 Nm of torque at 4,200 rpm.

Toyota Camry

From the sedan segment, the Toyota Camry is a model that gets a TSS touch. Its features consist of a pre-collision system, dynamic radar cruise control with curve speed reduction, lane departure alert with steering control and lane tracing assist, and automatic high beam. There is still a rear cross traffic alert and blind spot monitor that is present on the hybrid model.

In terms of power, the Camry uses a 2,487 cc engine with a power production of 204 PS at 6,600 rpm and 243 Nm of torque at 4,000 to 5,000 rpm. The A25A-FXS hybrid engine offers 178 PSc of power at 5,700 rpm and an additional 20.6 pPS from the electric motor with 220 Nm of torque at 3,600 - 5,200 rpm.

Toyota Corolla Altis

Still from the Toyota sedan segment, the model that gets a TSS touch is the Corolla Altis. This TSS feature is complete in the hybrid variant which consists of a pre-collision system, dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure alert with steering control as well as lane tracing assist and automatic high beam. In addition there is a special rear cross traffic alert feature in the hybrid model and a blind spot monitor with an additional six sonar system in all variants.

In terms of power, the Toyota Corolla Altis uses a 1,798 cc 2ZR-FXE hybrid engine with a maximum power of 98 ps at 5,200 rpm and 141 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm.

Toyota Land Cruiser

Entering the SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) segment, the latest Land Cruiser is a model that gets the TSS feature in all its variants. This premium SUV is found to feature a pre-collision system, lane departure alert, rear camera detection, adaptive high beam system, and dynamic radar cruise control. There are additional blind spot monitors as well as the distinctive features of multi-terrain select and crawl control.

In terms of power, the 3,346 cc F33A-FTV engine produces 305 PS of power at 4,000 rpm and 700 Nm of torque at 1,600-2,600 rpm.

Toyota Raize GR Sport

This is Toyota's newest compact SUV that comes with the TSS feature. This model features lane departure warning & lane departure prevention, pedal misoperation control, pre-collision warning & pre-collision braking, adaptive cruise control and front departure alert. Additionally, Toyota includes a rear cross traffic alert and a blind spot monitor.

Raize uses a 1KR-VET 998 cc turbo engine with 98 PS power at 6,000 rpm and 140 Nm of torque at 2,400 to 4,000 rpm.

Toyota Raize

From the list above, Toyota has embedded advanced TSS features on models with a price tag of under Rp. 300 million to premium models with prices in the billions of Rupiah. In addition to TSS, each model is also equipped with the T-Intouch feature, which is a telematics feature to connect the owner with his vehicle. Owners can find their vehicle with the find my car feature, stolen vehicle tracking, geofencing, to connect with emergency services if there is a problem on the road through these features.

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Advantages and Disadvantages of Honda HR-V 1.5L SE

 Honda HR-V is sold in four variants, S, E, SE and RS. All are sold in CVT (Continuous Variable Transmission) automatic transmissions. The price starts from IDR 362.9 million to IDR 513.9 million

The only RS variant with a turbo engine. This type is the most expensive and differs very far from the regular gasoline engine variant. Honda HR-V is the most expensive naturally aspirated petrol engine, Type SE. The Honda HR-V SE is sold for IDR 403.1 million or the difference is IDR 110 million more. That much difference is it worth it? Or maybe the SE variant is more than enough?

It must be admitted, the performance of the Honda HR-V RS turbo engine is far superior to other versions with non-turbo engines. However, even though using an engine without the help of turbo induction, the difference in the price of Rp. 100 million is clear and cannot be ignored. Moreover, the difference in features and completeness is not so far away.

Incidentally, we had the opportunity to try both the Honda HR-V RS and Honda HR-V SE a while back. I took the Honda HR-V RS with a turbo engine to dance on the smooth asphalt track of the Mandalika circuit in Lombok on May 23, 2022. While I took the Honda HR-V SE with a gasoline engine with me around the island of Bali.

Driving experience trying both turned out to answer my question above. But in this article, I don't want to compare the Honda HR-V with a turbo engine with a non-turbo engine. But to look for the advantages and disadvantages of the Honda HR-V 1.5L SE CVT.

Advantages of Honda HR-V 1.5L SE

1. Performance

The Honda HR-V turbo engine successfully made me happy when taming the circuit that successfully held the 2022 MotoGP race. The performance of the 1.5 liter turbo engine that produces 177 PS with peak torque of 240 Nm far exceeds the performance of the Honda HR-V with the 1.8 liter engine from its first generation .

Indeed, when sitting in front of the wheel of the Honda HR-V 1.5L SE, you can really feel the difference. For comparison, the 1.5 liter naturally aspirated engine produces 121 PS of power with a peak torque of 145 Nm. The difference is pretty good isn't it? Of course the turbo engine produces far superior performance.

But when traveling around the island of Bali, never once did a Honda HR-V engine without a turbo disappoint me. Uphill roads in the Melasti Unggasan beach area can be conquered easily. Likewise when you want to maneuver on the Bali Mandara toll road. Remember, if you buy a Honda HR-V, you will use it on public roads, not on the race track or circuit. So, the performance provided by the Honda HR-V 1.5L SE is more than enough.

As an illustration, the performance of the Honda HR-V engine with a non-turbo engine is also quite good on paper when compared to its competitors. For example, the Hyundai Creta uses the same engine capacity of 1.5 liters. Its power is only 115 PS with peak torque of 145 Nm. In short, even among competitors, the Honda HR-V remains superior even though it is not the type of gasoline engine you choose.

In my opinion, more or less this performance is assisted by the latest EarthDream technology CVT (Continuous Variable Transmssion) transmission. The negative characteristics of a conventional CVT transmission usually make the engine forced to roar at high speed continuously when accelerating. The HR-V intelligent CVT transmission solves this problem by incorporating a torque converter function.

That's why, when you accelerate you will feel like you're driving a conventional automatic transmission car. Feels like there is a gear shift when the rpm needle has touched the red line. Moreover, there is a paddle shift that you can operate to seem to shift gears manually like a conventional automatic transmission car. This way, the driver does not have to worry about facing various driving situations or challenging steep roads.

One other interesting thing, Honda only embeds the 3-Mode Drive System only for the HR-V RS. That's why the driving mode switch is not available in this car. But actually, even if you don't use a special switch, you can still operate the three modes!

The eCON driving mode can be operated on the Honda HR-V 1.5L SE by pressing the button available on the center console. This mode provides moderate driving performance for optimal fuel efficiency.

If the Sport mode how to activate it? Easy, slide the shift lever to the 'S' position. Then the gas pedal response will feel more instant, just like you get when you activate the Sport driving mode on the Honda HR-V Turbo. Move the shift lever back to the 'D' position then you are driving in Normal mode.

2. Driving Comfort

The experience of driving a Honda HR-V with a turbo engine at the Mandalika circuit some time ago revealed a more sporty driving character than before. Well, the non-turbo variant turns out to use the same legs. The MacPherson Strut front suspension at the front and the H-Shape Torsion Beam at the rear are tuned identically.

That's why, at first I suspected that his sporty driving character gave an uncomfortable effect when used on public roads. But it turns out that the suspension slams tend to be comfortable. Although this car is fun to bend in corners, but the rebound of the suspension is good not to the point of causing back pain when running over an uneven road surface.

In addition, the Honda HR-V also has a very good level of NVH (Noise, Vibration and Harshness). Not only the cabin is tight, the vibration is minimal, but there are no strange sounds that can be heard when driving. More than that, the dimensions of length 4,330 mm, width 1,790 mm and height 1,590 mm provide a spacious cabin space for every cabin occupant.

3. Safety Features

Honda HR-V comes with an integrated safety feature, Honda Sensing. Starting from Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed ​​Follow, Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM), Lead Car Departure Notification System (LCDN) to Auto High Beam .

Usually complete safety features are only available on the top or the most expensive variants. Amazingly, Honda provides Honda Sensing and all these features in all variants. Not only the SE variant, even the cheapest 1.5L S HR-V has all the safety features available in the RS variant.

In addition to all these features, standard safety features such as Hill Start Assist (HSA), Hill Decent Control (HDC), Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), Brake Override System (BOS), ABS brakes, EBD and BA , ISOFIX and Tether seats to Parking sensors are available on the SE variant. The difference from the RS variant, the SE type only has 4 airbags instead of 6 airbags. 

Disadvantages of Honda HR-V 1.5L SE

1. Panoramic Roof

It's no longer a secret that the latest Honda HR-V has a panoramic roof that is much larger than before. Yoshitomo Ihashi, Large Project Leader of the All-new Honda HR-V Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Automobile Operations, Monozukuri Center virtually to the media crew during the Honda HR-V Media Test Drive activity at the Mandalika Circuit (23/5) said "The reason is because we want to provide a different driving experience, namely with a larger panoramic roof. This unique roof allows the driver and front passenger to enjoy an even more pleasant view up."

Furthermore, he said if using the panoramic sunroof model as before, then there must be a frame and components of the sunroof opening and closing mechanism. So that the panoramic roof cannot possibly be sized like the current Honda HR-V.

The problem is not only that it cannot be opened, but that the cover or sun shade of the panoramic roof must be dismantled and assembled manually. Indeed, how to open or install it is quite easy, it's just not as easy as using an electric cover. For example, if you are driving alone and forget to close the panoramic roof when driving. If you want to close it you have to pull over first and put the cover on. Not to mention the cover must be stored in the trunk if you don't want to use the space. Different from the previous Honda HR-V electric panoramic sunroof. Even though it's smaller in size, if you want to open or close the sun shade, just press the button.

2. Multimedia System

The Honda HR-V RS and SE are equipped with an 8-inch capacitive touchscreen multimedia system with Weblink connectivity capabilities. You can operate several applications from smartphones on the multimedia system such as Google Maps using Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. Adequate.

But if there are several competitors, it turns out that what Honda has provided is still inferior. For example, the Hyundai Creta, a mid SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) from South Korea, presents its customers with the Bluelink feature. The features belonging to the Hyundai Creta have SOS or Emergency Assistance services, Stolen Vehicle Notification, Stolen Vehicle Tracking to Stolen Vehicle immobilization, Remote Climate Control, Remote Door Lock/Unlock to Remote Horn & Light Control. All that is not available on the Honda HR-V.

So in conclusion, for daily use in urban areas, the Honda HR-V 1.5L SE is sufficient. The RS variant's turbo engine performance is tempting, but make sure you choose that type if you have extra money. Because in addition to making up for performance, the RS variant has a number of differentiators on the exterior that make it look more exclusive than other variants. But almost all of the features it has are also owned by the SE variant which costs more than Rp. 100 million cheaper. It's not wrong why this variant is the most ordered by Indonesian consumers

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Road Test Honda BR-V: Driving with Safety Assistant

 Testing the latest Honda BR-V, we took special time to feel the sensation of the driving support package, Honda Sensing. Yes, this is a series of systems that we call 'driving alertness-enhancing technologies.'

On the All New BR-V, Honda Sensing is only available in the Prestige variant. The affix of this package makes the Prestige type increase its price to almost Rp. 20 million. What does it do, and how do you operate it?

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), is not a new feature in Indonesia. Many vehicles have been using it since more than a decade ago. However, for the Low SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) car class with a psychological price of Rp. 300 million, this is a new feature with a very high value.

This feature is very useful and can only be used when we drive it on the highway. Because, in Indonesia, roads other than toll roads, ordinary roads will be too crowded and have the potential to disrupt the work of this system. Once activated, actually not only the average speed is maintained, ACC has the advantage of keeping a distance from the vehicle in front of it.

The speed level will continue to be maintained until the maximum point we set. If it is more than that and the car in front leaves us, the system will alert the driver. You also have the choice here to increase the speed, or stay at a predetermined speed.

When the vehicle in front slows down, the BR-V will follow suit. In fact, down to a relatively low speed. For example, when you slow down to enter the toll gate, this is one of the advantages of the ACC BR-V which is equipped with Low Speed Follow (LSF). Well, but this feature will not follow again if the vehicle in front has stopped. Being able to follow from a standstill, it's a more sophisticated feature that doesn't exist in the BR-V. However, Honda got around this by embedding the Lead Car Departure Notification System (LCDN).

LCDN is a notification system that will alert the driver when the vehicle in front leaves us. The trick is to detect the vehicle in front of it. We note that this feature only operates when ACC is active. It seems to work as a companion speed regulator.

When the vehicle in front, which was previously being followed, is detected to stop and then continues its journey, the LCDN will give a warning via the instrument panel and sound. We also noted that the distance must be quite close, under 10 meters, then the LCDN reads the behavior of the car in front of it. And, of course, not all stop and go conditions that he warns about, if your car and in front of it stop for more than a few seconds, then it will detect it.

Another feature in the Honda Sensing package on the IDR 346 million BR-V is the Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS). Keeping the car in the middle of the marked lane, is its main function. It will correct continuously if the car starts approaching the line. The system can also operate very fast, soft and responsive.

This fast, gentle and responsive description, even though it seems simple in a sentence, has a very up-to-date meaning. LKAS sensor, very quick to read various changes in the direction of the car. Immediately, there was a correction on the steering wheel, but it didn't interfere with driving. Soft, and not to lock the movement that we might really want.

No less helping to make driving safer is the Road Departure Mitigation System (RDMS). When we use this technology, it acts as a simpler LKAS system. If LKAS keeps the car in the lane, then RDMS will keep the car on the road. The RDMS system can also work alone, without the need for LKAS to be activated.

Both LKAS and RDMS, can be disabled and the response adjusted according to the driver's preferences. Our advice, take a special time for you to understand and try these two steering control guidance systems, before finally deciding to adjust the response level, or when finally using it every day.

Also interesting is the presence of the Collision Mitigation Brake System (CMBS) which controls braking. How it works, the system will take control of the deceleration if there is a potential collision from the vehicle and moving object in front.

Uniquely, when we use it, what is detected is not only a slowing car. Motorcycles, bicycles and even pedestrians, if detected by the camera, have the potential to be hit, the CMBS will be active. The warnings are loud noises and visual notifications on the instrument panel, and if we don't brake right away, the new BR-V will brake automatically.

The entire Honda sensing system on the All New BR-V, we think is very functional. In the midst of the low sensitivity of road users to the safety aspect, this feature can increase the alertness of the driver.

Of course, relying on this system is no guarantee that safety can be left entirely to the vehicle. You as the driver, remain the safety operator.

It should also be noted that both ACC, LKAS, RDMS, and CMBS do increase the car's ability to interact on the road automatically with respect to various variables that may exist. However, it is not a semi-autonomous feature or the like. So, taking your hands off the wheel and leaving control to the system, we highly don't recommend!

The presence of the Honda Sensing feature on the BR-V, is indeed rewarded at a price that cannot be said to be cheap. IDR 346.6 million, to redeem it. If you think this feature is not included in the list of specifications you need, then there is no need to judge it as expensive, after all, there is a Prestige type with relatively the same equipment (without Honda Sensing, and 4 airbags) at a price of Rp. 327.6 million.

The Assistant

The eye that becomes the main monitoring post of all Honda Sensing features in the latest BR-V is the front camera. This camera is one in number, located behind the center mirror and behind the windshield. Supported by a lens with a wide viewing angle, it is your additional eye to increase driving alertness.

In order for the system to work properly, the cleanliness of the glass in front of it also needs to be maintained. Always make sure the glass in front of the camera lens is clean, before traveling or continuing on a trip

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Try the Convenience of the Kia Seltos GT Line, How Worth It to Buy?

 Kia Seltos is officially present in Indonesia in 2020. PT Kreta Indo Artha (KIA) as the holder of the Kia brand in Indonesia has again stimulated the Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) market by launching a more aggressive and feature-rich Seltos GT Line variant at GIIAS (Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto). SHow) November last year.

Positionally, the presence of the Seltos GT Line is a weapon from Kia to dampen or possibly fight rivals Honda HR-V and Hyundai Creta. At the moment of going home yesterday, to be precise at the OTO Group-style program, Lebaran Drive, I was caught trying out this SUV from South Korea.

How is the sensation, is it the same as the previous variant, or is the GT Line variant just a gimmick? In this article, I will try to explore the advantages and disadvantages of trying the Kia Seltos GT Line to my hometown in Sukabumi, West Java.

Kia Seltos GT Line Design

Before discussing the driving experience, I will try to explain my subjective opinion about the exterior visuals of the Seltos GT Line. In appearance the design line is still the same as the Seltos EX, EXP, and CRDi (diesel) variants.

But because the status is more luxurious, of course there is a differentiation. The most contrast is the presence of red lines on the front fender, side body and rear diffuser. Not only that, there are also GT Line badges on the front grille, rear body, and the use of red brake calipers on both front wheels. 

In appearance, the design is quite attractive. The LED projector headlight has a distinctive 'Tiger Nose' design as its main identity. The harmonization is more unified between the large grille and the LED-tech headlamp plus the Auto Light feature.

The futuristic impression is reflected in the "Ice Cube" shaped LED fog lamps. As for the skid plates at the front and rear, it reinforces the sporty aura. Then there is the black cladding around the body that describes the strong nature of an SUV.

The pull of a firm line also appears to decorate the back. LED Tail Light with futuristic ornaments, creating attractive visuals. Meanwhile, the wheel design is still the same as the EX and EXP variants, but there is a little red sweetener on the hubcap.

But to be honest, I don't like the presence of chrome accents on the door handles and some other parts. Seems to be tougher if it comes in black or magnesium.

Kia Seltos GT Line Driving Position

Go inside, the interior design is quite interesting. Unfortunately the dashboard is still made of hard plastic, there is only a little soft touch material on the door trim.

All benches are made of leather. The difference with the EX and EXP variants is in the seat motif, the GT Line variant uses a more sporty visual with red stitching and GT Line embossed on both front seats.

The Ventilated/Cooling Seat feature is also present, this is one of the differentiating devices with the Seltos variant under the GT Line. Its function is to provide a blow of cold air from the grille of the two front row seats.

This feature feels more useful than the heater seat in several other brands. It's a subjective assessment, but considering Indonesia has a tropical climate, of course this is an advantage.

Oh yes, to adjust the sitting position is also made easier by the electric feature. But unfortunately only for the driver. Even when sitting, the seat seems to be able to support the body, especially the back well. The reason is that the Seltos has a semi-bucket seat-style upholstery design. So it will not be easy to shake to the side.

Regarding visibility as a driver, it feels no different from other SUVs. To be more comfortable, the steering wheel has also accommodated tilt and telescopic manually.

As Rear Passenger

The middle seat of this car has a 40:60 configuration, so this car uses a seat model where each passenger has their own area.

Regarding accommodation, the Kia Seltos GT Line is arguably good. Passengers still feel relieved leg room, as well as headroom which still leaves a fairly high space. It is more comfortable as a passenger because the second row of seats can be re-clined in 2 positions as desired.

When it comes to transporting goods, when he only uses the luggage space, he can accommodate around 433 liters of goods. Meanwhile, when the rear seats are folded, the spacious luggage space can reach 1,401 liters. The luggage floor of the KIA Seltos is also flat, making it easier to access in and out of goods.

Interesting Features

In terms of features, the Kia Seltos GT Line is equipped with many advanced technologies. Call it 6 points ABS, EBD, EBA, traction control, cruise control, and ESP. There is also a super large 10.25-inch head unit that includes Apple Carplay and Android Auto functions.

But of the many features embedded in this car, there are some that I like the most. The first is Paddle Shift, the car feels fun to drive because we can adjust the gears by simply pressing the lever behind the steering wheel.

Then the second is the drive mode and traction mode features, how to activate it simply by turning the knob near the gear lever. When you switch to the Sport option, from the original Seltos' mediocre power, you can immediately feel the difference.

Even for the traction control mode, there are Snow, Mud, and Sand options. When I took the Seltos GT Line to the Pondok Halimun area or at the foot of Mount Gede, the tire traction became more nimble in overcoming the road contours that were quite damaged.

Quite a pity, the sound quality of the speakers. It's not bad, but considering that Sonet's sister, who is more advanced with the Bose package, Seltos should be able to too. Oh yes, in the GT Line variant there is a Sound Mood Lamp feature, a kind of light behind the front speaker that can light up to the rhythm or beat of the song.

The following are some of the features in the Kia Seltos GT Line:
Auto Light
Full LED Light
Auto Wiper
Rear Foglamp
Smart Key Entry
Star stop button
Wireless Charging
Auto Climate Control
Head-up Display
sunroof
Parking Distance Warning
Parking Camera
Bluetooth Telephony
And others.

The suspension is comfortable

Overall despite having the stature of an SUV, the suspension in my opinion is similar to a sedan. Used sharp handling dings feel soft and pleasant.

The character is arguably not too hard but also not too soft. For example, bulldozing the speed trap, the road is uneven, the dings still feel comfortable in the cabin.

Even when bulldozing the road, it was quite damaged at the foot of Mount Gede, Pondok Halimun. I and the passengers did not complain about the damping of this South Korean SUV.

While the question of soundproofing is also good, traveling at 100 kilometers per hour on toll roads is still quite quiet

Engine Performance

The Kia Seltos GT Line uses a Kappa 4-cylinder, 1,400 cc turbocharger, which promises 138 horsepower and 242 Nm of torque. The engine is mated to a 7-speed dual clutch transmission.

The performance is not too great indeed, but it feels very sufficient for daily use and long-distance travel needs. Moreover, he has a Sport mode which will change the character of the engine to be more fierce, now the engine character is felt. Engine performance is also assisted by the Direct Injection fuel system. While the turbo used is of the wastegate type, making the engine more responsive.

The fuel tank capacity is 55 liters, for city use I can record an average of 11-12 kilometers per liter. Meanwhile, if used on toll roads, the figure is better, around 15-16 kilometers per liter.

Conclusion

I categorize the Kia Seltos GT Line as a fun SUV. In addition to having reliable engine performance, this car also has a good record of fuel consumption, comfortable suspension, and features that can spoil the driver and passengers.

But with a price tag of IDR 433 million OTR, especially in the midst of the onslaught of other SUVs, the Kia Seltos GT Line is quite behind in terms of the completeness of semi-autonomous safety features. There is no radar feature, so don't expect this car to have Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist, or other features.

For your information, the price offered for the Kia Seltos GT Line as of May 2022 has increased, previously in the November 2021 launch session, the car was sold for IDR 415 million OTR. Now with the new price set, if you deliberately calculate with the variant below, there is a difference of Rp. 39.5 million with the EXP variant, Rp. 77 million with the EX, and Rp. 25 million with the diesel-engined Seltos variant. Below are the prices for all the Seltos variants, which are summarized from the official Kia Indonesia website

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Get-together to your house with the Toyota Veloz Q CVT TSS

 The pandemic situation is not as bad as before. The government finally allowed people to go home for Eid and also set a joint leave. The momentum is immediately used by travelers who want to go home or just enjoy a vacation with their family.

Of the ten available cars, I got a share to test the All New Toyota Veloz Q CVT TSS (Toyota Safety Sense). Most of the other colleagues went home or out of town, but not with me. The driving experience I got was only limited to traveling around the Greater Jakarta area. Go with family by visiting relatives, several restaurants and shopping places.

For 2 weeks, my family and I immediately fell in love with this highest variant of the All New Veloz. The comfort of a 7-seater MPV (Multi Purpose Vehicle) can be directly felt when entering the cabin. Veloz accommodation turned out to be spacious enough to bring 6 adults and 3 small children. Even when using the luggage area to carry Eid gifts for a large family, there is still plenty of room left for other items. Not to mention being served with lots of open storage space for small luggage and drink bottles.

Stylish Exterior

The exterior of the latest Toyota Veloz is indeed dominated by a more stylish appearance. The front display looks aggressive with the embedding of a headlamp that already carries the type of Light Emitting Diode (LED), along with turning signal lights and positioning lamps. It looks even cooler with the chrome bar that connects the left and right headlamps.

An elegant impression is also seen from the front which is attached with a black grille and airdam with dark accents. There looks a dynamic curve. The wind can also be channeled perfectly to maintain the engine temperature behind the engine hood. 

The rearview mirror is also sophisticated, already using Electric Retracable, complete with side turn signal. The electric setting makes it easier for the driver to adjust the position of the rearview mirror. Stylish impression is also quite dominant on the side view. Just look at Side Body Molding and Side Skirt Design.

The body looks fuller from every side, starting from the more prominent fenders and the thick black underbody, completing the Veloz stylish look. While the legs are equipped with two tone flower rims with a size of 17 inches.

The elegant impression radiates at the rear with the use of a stop lamp that extends and blends from left to right. Its LED technology also becomes its own identity when viewed at night. Now users don't have to worry about condensation on the rear glass anymore, because it is equipped with a rear windshield heating element (defogger). The reverse camera and two parking sensors also help users when they want to park backwards.

Luxury Interior

When you enter the interior, you are immediately greeted with a luxurious dashboard layout. Using three color combinations, namely black, beige, and silver ornaments. Not to mention that some of the panels on the front are already using soft touch material. It's on the front passenger dashboard, armrest to the steering wheel.

The premium and stylish design is reinforced with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and the settings are tilt and telescopic, so it's easy to adjust the driving position for comfort when traveling long distances. The steering wheel has several buttons that can be operated easily. You can set driving information on the Multi Information Display (MID), Toyota Safety Sense, audio, and bluetooth. There is also a button to set the Drive mode. There are several driving modes to choose from, normal, eco mode and power mode.

The cool thing is that there is thin ambient lighting or New Vibrant Illumination Light on the center console and the first row door trim, exuding an elegant and premium impression. It is clearly visible at night and creates a sense of calm and relaxation for front passengers during the trip. Children also feel happy when they see the dim blue light in some corners. Then there is Veloz embossed on the left side of the dashboard or in front of the front passenger seat. This is an identity that he is different from the Toyota Avanza.

Still on the center console, there is a head unit with a 9-inch screen landscape which is also more modern, namely the floating model. Has capabilities with various connectivity such as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Operation is also quite easy, because it has adopted a touch screen. There, the driver can experience the sophisticated All Round View Camera. When parking in a narrow space is not difficult, because the driver can know the distance of objects in front, side to rear.

Underneath there is an auto climate control feature, which is effectively and intelligently able to keep the cabin temperature cool even though the weather is hot outside. The left knob is to operate the fan power, the right is to adjust the air conditioner temperature. But unfortunately there is no air conditioning setting for the feet of the driver and front passenger. Then behind the transmission is an Electric Parking Brake with Brakehold, replacing the conventional parking brake lever at the touch of a button.

Furthermore, there is a wireless charger on the center console. If there is no NFC on the smartphone, it's not a problem because there are many USB chargers available.

The left arm rest for the driver and front passenger is enough to make the trip relaxing. The material is soft and very useful. Inside there is space to store small objects and a power socket is provided.

Seat Comfort

The family is really spoiled by the All New Veloz. All that because the seat design uses premium quality. Use a combination of leather and fabric with a two-tone concept to support the luxurious aura in the cabin. He is able to support the body well, both when maneuvering fast and walking leisurely. This soft chair is loved by children.

All the seats are also designed according to the Indonesian body. The driver's seat can be adjusted by reclining as well as its height through the height adjuster feature. Although still a conventional lever, this is enough to help the driver get a relaxed position.

Leg and head room in the first row is really roomy. Likewise in the second row that can be shifted back and forth. Plus it already has a new blower design with a thinner look. The setting is in the form of a round knob whose position is placed slightly backwards. Even though it is similar to Calya's with a flat design, air conditioning can reach the passengers in the third row seats.

The center back can be folded to become a handrest. Unfortunately no cup holder is provided. But quite helpful when passengers want to relax. Speaking of features, passengers in the second row get two USB ports which are located in the middle

All passengers including the driver are also guaranteed safe and comfortable, because each seat is equipped with a headrest that can be adjusted high and low. Three-point seat belts and airbags are also available.

The issue of comfort continues with the presence of the long sofa mode. This feature allows all seats, both front and center, to lie down like a sofa. During use, we often lay down the second row of benches. So the two passengers in the back can stretch their legs without any obstacles. Unfortunately the setting to turn the seat into a sofa does require a little effort, because everything has to be done manually. Starting from removing the headrest to laying down the back of the chair.

Oh yes, because the second row seats can go back and forth, adult passengers can still sit in the back seat. However, it is more comfortable for children. That way, all passengers can enjoy the comfort of the All New Veloz.

Instrument Panel

One of the features of the All New Veloz is on the instrument panel. It is full digital measuring 7 inches and there are 4 display options. Everything plays with colors that are quite detailed and attractive. Various driving information is there and is easy for the driver to monitor.

There is a lot of information presented, there are outside temperatures, odometers, tripmeters, digital clocks, speedometers and even inclinometers and are also able to provide explanations about the Toyota Safety Sense features. Just press the button on the left and right of the steering wheel to see it

Entertainment System

In addition to the 9-inch screen that appears in the middle of the dashboard with a floating structure, there is also a rear seat entertainment (RSE) aka monitor that is attached to the ceiling. This is what children who sit in the back really like. They can watch their favorite videos while enjoying the trip. Unfortunately the operation can only be done from the front screen. Then to connect it can only be through a flash that has been filled with the previous video.

But keep in mind, when the monitor is opened the driver's view to the rear through the center mirror becomes blocked. You have to be extra careful when watching conditions from behind.

The resulting sound quality is quite adequate. There are six speakers (including two tweeters on the A-pillar). And to adjust the audio is also easier with the audio steering switch on the steering wheel.

Baggage Area

The advantages of the front wheel drive layout aka Front Wheel Drive (FWD) are immediately felt when discussing the trunk of this car. When all the seats are upright, the luggage capacity is still quite adequate. For your information, the trunk capacity of this car is 400 liters (all seats are used). So it's not a hassle when you have to bring all the family necessities.

Especially when the second and third row bench lay down. The volume of the trunk of this car feels very roomy. Because it is supported by a flat luggage floor, making it more flexible in entering all types of goods.

In addition to luggage, the All New Veloz highest variant has quite a lot of storage space and cup holders. Almost all doors are available, even up to the back seat. Enough to make it easier for passengers to put drinks or other small items.

Guaranteed Safety

Especially for the latest Veloz, the most expensive variant already uses disc brakes on all four wheels. Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD) & Brake Assist (BA) also ensure that braking is safe under any conditions.

There are 6 Airbags (driver/passenger/side/curtain) that keep the whole cabin safe when things go wrong. Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) also ensures the car will not oversteer or understeer when bulldozing corners. Hill Start Assist (HSA) also keeps the car from backing up on an incline. This HSA system also cooperates with Electric Parking Brake & Brake Hold. This brakehold is very helpful when in the middle of a traffic jam. The left foot can rest for a while without stepping on the brake pedal.

Because this is a type Q CVT with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS), it has been equipped with six excellent features. Includes a Pre Collision System (PCS) which is able to give a warning when it detects an object in front. And if we keep going fast, the car will automatically brake by itself. Excellent!

Lane Departure Assist (LDA), keeps the car from getting out of line. If out of lane is detected, the system gives a warning. And if the driver does not pay attention, the system will automatically return the car to the right lane. Here the steering wheel feels wobbly on its own and the driver should not be surprised. It does need a little adjustment.

Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) or a warning appears in the rearview mirror when a vehicle either on the left or right side is in the blind spot position. It's cool, like a European car.

Pedal Misoperation Control, is useful to prevent the driver from stepping on the gas pedal too deeply when he should have stepped on the brake pedal. This feature can minimize collisions with objects in front of the car. Safer!

Front Departure Alert, very useful when you stop waiting for a red light. This feature can alert the driver that the vehicle in front has started to run. So that we are not honked by the vehicle behind us.

Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) gives a warning if a vehicle suddenly comes from another direction behind when the car is going backwards. All existing features inform the driver via voice and description in the MID.

Another powerful feature that is very helpful is the All Round View Camera (360 Camera). The screen on the center console gives a clear picture of the situation around the car. Parking the vehicle at the mall or in the carport of a house that is relatively narrow is easier. Coupled with a sound alert when there is an object that is quite close. This technology is also activated immediately when the driver turns on the turn signal. But this only happens when the car is running slowly.

Qualified Performance

It carries a 1,500 cc 2NR-VE engine that produces 106 PS power and 14 kgm (137 Nm) of torque. The valve system uses Dual VVT-i technology to produce sufficient power for optimal fuel efficiency in various road conditions. This is also enhanced through the new CVT transmission. The power delivery features a new split gear, developed to provide a wider gear ratio.

The performance is quite capable when used in the city or outside the city. And according to the characteristics of the CVT transmission, acceleration is smoother and without any jolt of course. No less interesting than the impression of driving with this car is the cabin which is quite quiet.

Especially for the Veloz that I use, it already has three driving modes namely Normal, Power and Eco. All can be selected via the button at the bottom right of the steering wheel. By pressing the button the computer will adjust the engine output via ECU mapping according to the selected mode. In fact, not only mapping, this driving mode also intervenes in the AC to make it more optimal according to the selected mode.

When the new car is started and does not press the drive button then it is in normal mode. If you press it once, it goes straight to power mode and if it's longer, it switches to eco mode. All of them are indicated by a notification that appears on the digital MID screen.

When you need more power, you can use Power mode. Makes the engine throw power more responsively without the hassle of pressing the gas pedal too deep. I did this mode when I crossed the Bojong Koneng area, Bogor, where the path was a bit steep with a load of 6 adults and 3 small children. The lower lap feels more aggressive and the power boost is very pronounced.

I especially use Eco mode when exploring urban routes for better fuel efficiency. During the use of 2 weeks more use eco mode, so that it is fuel efficient. And as evidenced by the average record that touched the figure of 14.3 km / liter.

Suspension

The ability of the shock absorber is able to support the vehicle perfectly when maneuvering. When crossing the bumpy road terrain is also beautiful. Suspension performance does not have a significant impact on the steering gear. This means that vehicle control remains stable.

With the new settings, the reaction from the suspension when crossing shocks is arguably quite dim and quiet. There are no symptoms of stuck when carrying a lot of cargo and can be said to be smooth when the weight is only 4 adults. The characteristics of the rear shock absorbers also tend to be soft according to the type of torsion beam. The result is more measurable vehicle control and of course comfortable. This of course cannot be separated from the participation of Toyota's research and development team to suit the needs of the Indonesian people. Cool!

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Proof of the All New Honda BR-V in the Expedition to Tana Toraja

 The All New BR-V is Honda's latest model in the low SUV market that offers seven-seater capability. The updates given to this latest generation BR-V are significant. Honda changed the appearance of the exterior, interior and equipped the new BR-V with advanced features and technology. One of them is Honda Sensing, which was previously present in Honda's premium products, now it can be obtained on the low SUV BR-V model.

have tried the All New BR-V several times on various occasions. At first the media drive in Central Java, then the opportunity to try it on the urban route of the capital city of Jakarta. Now another opportunity comes with a fairly special route. The All New BR-V Prestige variant with Honda Sensing was brought across various road conditions in South Sulawesi, to be precise on the way from Makassar to Tana Toraja in the north with a slightly twisted route. The Oto.com team drove the All New BR-V through Maros Regency, to the city of Watampone in the east and then continued the journey to Tana Toraja through various cities and back to Makassar.

What is the impression and performance of the latest All New Honda BR-V through almost 1,000 kilometers of this expedition? Let's see together.

Modern SUV Design

The first discussion cannot be separated from the changes in the exterior of the All New BR-V. Honda did not really change the appearance of the concept version that was presented first, the N7X. The latest BR-V uses solid lines along the body of the vehicle to give the impression of a sturdy SUV. The changes on the front are more modern and sporty thanks to the use of a thick grille with LED headlamps that have distinctive LED daytime running light accents and LED fog lamps in front. The rear view is also fresher thanks to the use of the iconic LED rear combi light, with a small stop lamp in the middle. Some say the rear of the latest BR-V is quite simple and not too different from its predecessor, but this is back to a matter of taste. 

Regarding lighting, the BR-V's main lamp is able to provide lighting that helps pass the night journey. The Oto.com team travels every day until night with the condition of roads between districts without lighting. For example, on the Maros axis from Makassar to Watampone or from the Pangkadjene area to Enrekang which is winding and from Parepare to Makassar where there are no street lights. Occasionally the Auto high beam feature operates due to winding road conditions and requires extra lighting assistance. However, manual operation of the headlights is still more dominant because it is rare to find other vehicles from the opposite lane.

The main concern is clearly the change in dimensions in the All New BR-V. Although still a low SUV status, the latest BR-V has a length of 4,490 mm, an increase of 34 mm from the previous generation, a width of 1,780 mm - an increase of 45 mm, a height of 1,685 mm - an increase of 19 mm, a wheelbase of 2,700 mm - an increase of 38 mm, and good ground clearance. now it's 220 mm - up 19 mm. The dimensions of this BR-V are still agile to maneuver and are able to pass several small roads encountered by the Oto.com team during the expedition.

The real advantage lies in the ground clearance which gives confidence to pass through various contours of the road. Not infrequently the roads between districts that are passed are in a damaged condition or are being repaired, which makes the BR-V pass through different road heights. The advantages of this ground clearance are also added with 17-inch rims and thicker tires measuring 215/55 R17 which in addition to making the appearance of the BR-V SUV more visible, it also has cruising power on various terrains. Unfortunately, these rims and tires were later sacrificed for the high ground clearance of the BR-V by receiving damage during passing through damaged roads during the expedition. Luckily, the team was still able to complete the journey until the last day without having to replace the spare rim with a smaller, space safer type after accidentally falling into a hole and being hit by stones many times.

MPV-Enabled Interior

This is indeed the value that the Honda design team pursued in the development of the BR-V. The ability of seven passengers in the low SUV segment is not arbitrary to highlight. Unfortunately, in this expedition the third row was not used at all and was used for luggage space. Thanks to the dimensional changes described above, there is no difficulty in putting three 30 liter suitcases in the rear trunk as well as a few additional carry-on bags.

Practically during the expedition, the first row became the main stage with the occasional addition to the second row. The second row is transformed into additional storage for quick access to documentation equipment during the trip as well as additional food and beverages in addition to the storage compartments on the left and right of the first row.

The discussion of the first line is on the driver's side. Honda made a taller center console to help the driver focus. This is indeed felt throughout the journey where driving this SUV rarely takes your eyes off the road. If you look at the passenger side of the first row, the dashboard gives an empty impression, only the air conditioning blowhole and storage are present. All entertainment access and also vehicle information can be done from the buttons on the left and right of the steering wheel, although for some MID access it takes a little study of the buttons. For example, if you have to press a button, the cooling and head unit settings can be easily reached using the driver's left hand.

In the meter cluster, there is a 4.2-inch TFT screen without color. Various information is provided on this screen such as fuel consumption, trip measurement, outside temperature and clock in a wide display. This screen is also a place for setting various vehicle features such as keyless access, lighting, door and window operations as well as setting Honda Sensing features. During the trip the fuel and distance calculation features become the most viewed.

Along the way, the seven-inch head unit is a major concern. This touch screen displays a variety of entertainment features. Most helpful is the direct connection of Android Auto or Apple CarPlay made with a USB cable to the mobile device via the USB port on the center console. The most used features in mobile phones are navigation and entertainment such as Youtube and Spotify. Navigation directly appears on the main screen, making it easy for drivers to get directions, including voice commands that are present, which are transmitted to the six speakers in the cabin. This makes the driver not lose focus on the main job, namely driving and seeing the condition of the road ahead.

Another significant change is the tightness of the cabin which adds to the comfort while driving. Honda did mention that the noise and vibration dampening side is also improved. Along the way there were no significant disturbances in terms of engine noise, roads between districts and when it was raining. Some of the areas that have been improved to create this tightness include the engine head cover, urethane cover, side mounted dynamic module, trans mounting and torsion rod mounts to reduce engine vibration and noise. Several other areas such as the sound insulation system, rear fender, bottom cover and hood were improved as well as the additional use of spray foaming in the body panel area. As a result, along the way both passengers and drivers enjoy entertainment to the fullest.

Proof of Machinery and Control

We arrive at the main menu of this discussion. we does have a question about the capability of the 1.5L All New BR-V engine which has not changed from the previous model, especially on roads between cities outside Java. Moreover, the performance of this engine is coupled with various major changes in the control side which is the main attraction on the way to Tana Toraja.

Initial discussion of sitting driving position. The All New BR-V gives the impression of a high viewing angle with the ease of manual seat adjustment and tilt steering wheel. Touching the steering wheel of the latest BR-V is reminiscent of the size of the steering wheel of the City Hatchback and several other Honda models. The width is right and comfortable in the hand thanks to the leather material that does not cause sweat. This leather material is also found in the upholstery. The first impression is on the seats of the latest BR-V, for drivers with an above average width, this SUV seat design feels small. This is because of the presence of lumbar support on the left and right of the driver's seat which is thick. However, after several adjustments, including the height of the head rest, this seat design affects the comfort when maneuvering to keep the body position in check.

The high viewing angle also results in a wider field of view for the driver. The All New BR-V provides a wide viewing angle thanks to the angle of the windshield that is not too sloping and the A-pillar which is not too big. There are indeed a few obstacles when facing a road with a nearly 180 degree turn where the A pillar covers the view but this can be overcome by slightly changing the sitting position before entering the corner.

In terms of control, the All New BR-V feels good. The steering is relatively light when rotated and provides accurate feedback to the driver. During crossing inter-regency or urban roads that are decorated with straight roads, the steering feels stable. When in mountainous areas with winding tracks, the steering wheel easily translates the driver's wishes to maneuver left and right.

The control of the latest BR-V is also the result of changes that are embedded in the chassis and suspension side of the vehicle. The All New BR-V's suspension is quite hard when used at low speeds, but this has an effect on stability at high speeds and when maneuvering. Honda increased the rigidity of the MacPherson Strut front suspension and changed the rear suspension geometry to take advantage of the lightweight Torsion Beam for damping and comfort. The use of a sturdier platform, increased by 24 percent, and lighter makes the symptoms of body roll commonly found in SUV products minimally felt in this latest BR-V.

A little mention about braking performance, the latest generation of BR-V uses ventilated disc braking at the front and drum at the rear. This braking ability is quite convincing while driving inside and outside urban areas. Several times the braking of the All New BR-V saved the expedition team from hitting a hole in the road to avoid serious damage. This braking ability is also felt when descending where vehicle deceleration is needed quickly.

Now talk about performance. Crossing the city of Makassar, which is not much different from the city of Jakarta, the i-VTEC DOHC in-line four-cylinder engine with 120 ps @ 6,600 rpm and 145 Nm @ 4,300 rpm of torque feels perfect. Some small traffic jams with typical stop and go conditions and toll roads for higher speeds can be passed easily also thanks to the use of CVT transmission.

New challenges are felt after the city of Makassar. The team headed to Maros district through the Maros, Camba, Watampone axis with winding road conditions, uphill and not too wide. The condition of this road is then more common along the way to Tana Toraja, which is located in the north of South Sulawesi Province and in mountainous areas. The character of a powerful engine is immediately felt when facing an uphill road. It's quite easy to feel the power supply on the lower rotation since stepping on the gas pedal deeper.

If you are not sure, Honda still provides S and L modes on the transmission lever which can provide faster power in various conditions such as steep inclines or trying to overtake other vehicles. Although it needs a little adjustment for its operation which is only a straight line on the transmission column. Several times the switch from S to D missed into N mode and caused the engine to roar loudly. Another slight drawback that makes the enjoyment of feeling the performance of this machine diminish is the absence of paddle shifts behind the steering wheel which is usually found in other Honda products.

So how about the fuel consumption? In this test, Oto.com departed from the city of Makassar using Ron 90 fuel. The consideration was that there was a fear of difficulty getting Ron 92 fuel in several areas that were passed along the way to Tana Toraja. In addition, according to the instructions at the mouth of the tank, the BR-V receives fuel with a minimum RON of 90. Full filling is carried out before starting the journey and the next filling after passing through the city of Watampone. The total journey to Tana Toraja from Makassaar via the Maros, Watampone, Enrekang routes is about 530 kilometers. Based on MID, the average travel speed is around 26 kilometers per hour with an average fuel consumption of 12.4 kilometers per liter. The condition of the road that is passed mostly is an incline which is quite draining of fuel. However, with the achievement of these consumption figures, for the calculation of out-of-town trips, the All New BR-V can prove a three percent increase in efficiency as claimed.

Calculation of the journey from Tana Toraja back to Makassar, the team chose to use the coastal road which is more gentle and offers many straight paths. During this return trip, it turned out that the fuel available at Tana Toraja was Ron 92 BBM. The return trip distance was 385.3 kilometers with an average speed increasing to 27 kilometers per hour and average fuel consumption to 13.7 kilometers per hour. liter. In total, the entire Tana Toraja expedition covered a distance of 915.3 kilometers with an average speed of 26 kilometers per hour and an average fuel consumption of 12.9 kilometers per liter. Quite impressive.

Convenience of Various Features

Talking about the All New BR-V, don't forget the various features that are offered both comfort and security and safety. Oto.com arrived in Tana Toraja and went straight to several mainstay tourist destinations there such as the Lemo stone tomb, the Kete Kesu traditional house complex, the Lambuang Bori menhir stone tomb and the land above the clouds of Lolai To'tombi. Some of the perceived features include hill start assist to help prevent the vehicle from sliding down during an incline, a rear camera that provides a wide viewing angle for moving backwards and parking sensors for easy parking.

Most helpful is the walk away auto lock feature where the driver just walks away and the BR-V will lock itself. It's important when you want to immediately document pictures and your hands are full of various equipment, which sometimes makes the driver forget to press the vehicle lock button. There is also a remote engine start feature that helps start the vehicle engine to get a cool cabin temperature after being hot outside. Even during the trip, it takes a few tries to be able to feel this feature working quickly.

Not to forget, the variant used during this expedition was the Prestige Honda Sensing variant. This feature consists of several safety features, namely lead car departure notification system, collision mitigation braking system, road departure mitigation, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, auto high beam and additional Lane Watch. Based on the experience of this expedition, Honda Sensing was not felt too much along the way. This also answers the need for safety features such as Honda Sensing when traveling between cities where road conditions vary.

However, that does not mean that Honda Sensing is completely unheard of. Several times the driver feels the presence of a collision mitigation braking system, lane keeping assist and auto high beam on the way, which helps in providing safety while driving. Most noticeable is the presence of LaneWatch which minimizes blind spots on the left side of the vehicle and displays them on the head unit screen. This feature works every time the driver turns on the turn signal to the left so that he can see the condition of the left side of the vehicle clearly.

Conclusion

The All New BR-V is proven to be able to answer all doubts and questions before this Tana Toraja expedition trip. Where is this low SUV car can and is able to pass through various road conditions in South Sulawesi which are more diverse than the island of Java. The matter of performance and efficiency has been well proven. Control also gives a positive assessment including changes in the interior, entertainment and features.

As an assessment, the All New BR-V Prestige with the Honda Sensing feature is now offered at a price of IDR 346.6 million for the Greater Jakarta area. Seeing the minimal use of Honda Sensing along the way, it's a good idea for prospective consumers to also consider several non-Honda Sensing variants such as the Prestige variant which is priced at Rp. 327.6 million, or the E CVT at a price of Rp. 305.3 million. For fans of manual transmissions, Honda still offers the E MT variant at a price of IDR 295.4 million and the S MT at a price of IDR 281.1 million. It should also be borne in mind, for potential consumers who still want the top variant, they must be willing to wait about three months for the pivot time of the product. This is because Honda is still having problems with the shortage of semiconductor chips that plagued various world automotive manufacturers.

However, for potential customers with a capital of IDR 330 million to IDR 340 million and waiting a few months is not a problem, the BR-V with Honda Sensing is indeed a benchmark that is hard to miss. Including for the size of the low SUV product which is now present in Indonesia.

The five-day trip through the South Sulawesi region, from Makassar to Tana Toraja, ended with a satisfied smile. The BR-V has proven itself to be a reliable travel companion with its many advantages. Unfortunately, the offer of convenience for seven passengers on this trip has not been fully exposed. Maybe this will be a separate discussion in the next All New BR-V test.

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Road Test Peugeot 5008: Here's How To Wake A Sleeping "Lion"

 Peugeot 5008 is not new in Indonesia. This seven-passenger family car was first introduced in 2009, where we also had time to test it. At that time, the machine amazed us. The form and features are not very.

In other words, the 5008 at that time was in line with what one would expect from a European-born Peugeot. Practical seat arrangements, spacious cabin, full features to a comfortable ride and the shape is in accordance with the 'Prancing Lion' design theme at that time. This car was drawn by designer Gilles Vidal, who had just been appointed to be the main designer at Peugeot.

What we can say about the first-generation 5008 is, like a gentleman who is ready to slap anyone who has the intention of getting in his way. This is made possible by the use of a THP 156 four-cylinder engine with a 1.5 liter turbo capacity which is responsive and enjoyable.

Astra Peugeot then presented the second generation around 2017. This time the shape was surprising because it was outside the standard family car design that is usually found in Indonesia. The lights no longer seemed to be pulled back, but depicted the hooves of a lion ready to claw. Again, everything was as expected.

Then came the facelift version. This surprised us. The design of his face is like a long jump. The frameless grille with DRLs dangling from the bonnet on the rim emphasizes its presence on the road. Even when silent, this car always attracts attention. Especially those who already feel cool riding the Toyota Fortuner and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport.

But is the new 5008 that cool? We must firmly say yes. Apart from (honestly) we are fans of anti-mainstream new cars, but this is indeed a car to be proud of, without having to try hard to look good. Of course there are minuses. But we are sure, you will be aware of the various advantages that exist.

Complete Everything

The engine inside the Peugeot 5008 Allure Plus muzzle is called the EP6FDT. As previously reviewed, this derived engine from the Prince Engine drive family is configured with a four-cylinder with TwinPower Turbocharger. Its peak power is 167 PS which appears at 6,000 rpm. The highest torque is obtained from 1,400 rpm at 240 Nm. The power is channeled through a 6-speed automatic transmission which can be controlled via paddle shift on the steering wheel. 

What does it mean? Pay attention to engine speed when torque peaks. 1,400 rpm is a very low rev. The gas is stepped on a little, the torque has exploded. The pull feels responsive, the car becomes agile. Even so, in Normal driving mode, the ECU will reduce the pounding that makes you feel nauseous.

This mode makes passengers feel comfortable and the driver hardly feels any aggressive gear shifts or engine revs. Peugeot 5008 also acts like a family car.

Switch to Sport mode. The ECU seemed to say "Whatever!" 5008 is like a sleeping lion being disturbed. Towing becomes more aggressive, and the steering wheel feels fuller. And the exhaust is more audible. Turbo works neatly without lag. In automatic mode, the shift feels accurate. The transmission's willingness to hold the gear makes the 5008's movement even more aggressive, especially when swerving in toll traffic density. Of course with attention to driving safety. His behavior in this mode reminds us of BMW products, minus the pops at the end of the exhaust.

Play gearshift with paddle shift, then adrenaline satisfaction can be achieved properly. Certainly not as big as the BMW M-Series or Mercedes-AMG. But for family men who still like the rush of adrenaline, this Sport Mode 5008 can accommodate.

In the end, the pleasure and driving comfort of the first generation 5008 is passed on to this generation. In fact, we dare say, everything is getting better without sacrificing anything for the sake of production efficiency and selling price.

Excessive? We don't think so. Peugeot has always been known for its capable products. Then what's the minus? Sometimes it feels a bit slow gearshift, especially when using the paddle shifter. Don't imagine being slow for 1-2 seconds. But sometimes it feels like there is a short pause. Second, the sound of the Continental tires being used. Maybe this is affected by the mileage of the test car which is already more than 19 thousand kilometers.

Overall, the Peugeot 5008 managed to make us satisfied. Just like the generation it replaces. What it feels like until now is still effective

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Buy Toyota Veloz Highest Variant, Here's What You Get

 The All New Toyota Veloz enters the second generation. It comes with a stylish appearance and has a touch of SUV orientation, although it still has MPV status. It is available in three (3) types, namely Veloz M/T, Veloz Q CVT, and Veloz Q CVT TSS. The highest variant gets the Toyota Safety Sense feature, which is Toyota's newest driving safety technology. So what do you get from this new MPV for IDR 331 million.

Machine

The latest generation Veloz in all variants uses the same engine. Use engine code 2NR-VE. 4-cylinder in-line, 1.496cc, 16 valve, DOHC with dual VVT-i heart pacemaker. It produces 106 PS at 6,000 rpm and a peak torque of 137 Nm at 4,200 rpm which is sent to the front wheel drive. The CVT transmission also features a Sequential Manual Mode feature. So it can be moved manually.

The fuel system used is electronic fuel injection. He is able to accommodate approximately 43 liters of fuel.

Chassis

He already uses a unibody chassis type built on the TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) platform and is equipped with a front-wheel drive (FWD) system. TNGA which is a modular vehicle platform used by Toyota and Lexus. The platform has been introduced since 2015 for global use. Combining three main elements in one structure. These elements include agility, stability and visibility.

For suspension at the front using MacPherson Strut, while at the rear Torsion-Beam. Also equipped with stabilizers on the front and rear. While the braking system on the front and rear uses a 15-inch disc. The tire size used is 205/50 R17 Alloy with Machining. 

Safety and Security Features

Veloz CVT TSS or the highest type is equipped with various advanced features to support the safety and security of the driver and passengers. Apart from having 15-inch ventilated disc brakes at the front and solid disc brakes at the rear, the braking section is reinforced with the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Braking Assist (BA) features.

Then there are 6 Airbags that keep the whole cabin safe when things go wrong. Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) also ensures the car will not oversteer or understeer when bulldozing corners. Hill Start Assist (HSA) also keeps the car from backing up on an incline. This HSA system also cooperates with Electric Parking Brake & Brake Hold. This brakehold is very helpful when in the middle of a traffic jam.

Because this is a type Q CVT with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS), it has been equipped with six excellent features. Includes a Pre Collision System (PCS) which is able to give a warning when it detects an object in front. And if we keep going fast, the car will automatically brake by itself.

Lane Departure Assist (LDA), keeps the car from getting out of line. If out of lane is detected, the system gives a warning. And if the driver does not pay attention, the system will automatically return the car to the right lane.

Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) or a warning appears in the rearview mirror when a vehicle either on the left or right side is in the blind spot position.

Pedal Misoperation Control, is useful to prevent the driver from stepping on the gas pedal too deeply when he should have stepped on the brake pedal. This feature can minimize collisions with objects in front of the car.

Front Departure Alert, very useful when you stop waiting for a red light. This feature can alert the driver that the vehicle in front has started to run.

Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) gives a warning if a vehicle suddenly comes from another direction behind when the car is going backwards. All existing features inform the driver via voice and description in the MID.

Another powerful feature that is very helpful is the All Round View Camera (360 Camera). The screen on the center console gives a clear view of the situation around the car. The appearance of the car as seen from above. It's easier to park your vehicle at the mall or in the carport of a house that is relatively narrow. Coupled with a sound alert when there is an object that is quite close. This technology is also activated immediately when the driver turns on the turn signal. But this only happens when the car is running slowly.

Exterior

The exterior of the Veloz is to be proud of. The impression of being sturdy, tough, and aggressive radiates from the high hood as part of the New Distinctive Front Look. Strong character is also seen in the fascia. It appears on the New Formidable Design Front Grille, New Advanced LED Headlamp with Sequential Turnlamp, and with New Fog Lamp.

As a premium MPV, the Veloz side view exudes a powerful line through the Remarkable Chrome Window Belt, Fender Line & Roof Rail. The All New Veloz further emphasizes its new positioning as a Premium Cross MPV.

The application of the New Side Stone Guard not only protects the side body, but also strengthens the impression of being tough. Reinforced by the design of 17-inch alloy wheels and New Foot Lamp under the rearview mirror. In the rear sector he has been equipped with a Progressive Rear Combination Lamp with Full Backdoor Lamp to make the appearance more modern and wide. Reinforced again with Sturdy Rear Bumper.

Interiors

The interior of the Veloz is able to pamper the driver and passengers. One of the features in the driver's seat is the instrument panel. Already full digital measuring 7 inches and there are 4 display display options. Everything plays with colors that are quite detailed and attractive. And the various information that is there is easy to monitor. Among them there are seat belt warnings, outside temperature, odometer, tripmeter, digital clock, speedometer and even inclinometer and is also able to present an explanation of the Toyota Safety Sense feature. Just press the button on the left and right of the steering wheel to see it.

Then the fancy dashboard layout. Using three color combinations, namely black, beige, and silver ornaments. Not to mention that some of the panels on the front have embraced soft touch material. It's on the front passenger dashboard, armrest to the steering wheel.

The steering wheel is wrapped in luxurious leather and has adopted tilt and telescopic, so it's easy to adjust the driving position for comfort when traveling long distances. On the steering wheel there are several buttons that can be operated easily. Left and right can set the Multi Information Display, Toyota Safety Sense, audio, to bluetooth. Bottom right there is a button to set the Drive mode. There are several driving modes to choose from, normal, eco mode and power mode.

There is thin ambient lighting or New Vibrant Illumination Light on the center console and the first row door trim, exuding an elegant and premium impression. It is clearly visible at night and creates a sense of calm and relaxation for front passengers during the journey.

Then there is Veloz embossed on the left side of the dashboard or in front of the front passenger seat. This is an identity that he is different from the All New Avanza.

Still on the center console, there is a head unit with a 9-inch floating screen landscape. Has the ability to accommodate a variety of connectivity such as Android Auto and the latest Apple CarPlay®. Operation is also quite easy, because it has adopted a touch screen. There, the driver can experience the sophisticated All Round View Camera.

Underneath there is an auto climate control feature on the air conditioner, which is effectively and intelligently able to keep the cabin temperature cool even though the weather is hot outside. The left knob is to operate the fan power, the right is to adjust the air conditioner temperature. Then behind the transmission is an Electric Parking Brake with Brakehold, replacing the conventional parking brake lever at the touch of a button.

Furthermore, there is a wireless charger on the center console. For the driver's left arm rest and the front passenger's right arm rest is sufficient. The material is soft and very useful. Inside there is space to store small objects and is provided with a charger port that requires an additional connector.

The passengers get comfort from the seat design that uses premium quality. Use a combination of leather and fabric with a two-tone concept. Able to support the body well when maneuvering fast or walking leisurely. In addition, the structure is soft.

The driver's seat can be adjusted reclining for the back, and also the height and low through the height adjuster feature. Although still a lever, this is enough to help the driver get a relaxed position.

Leg and head room in the first row is really roomy. Likewise in the second row that can be shifted back and forth. Plus it already has a new blower design with a thinner look. The setting is in the form of a round knob whose position is placed slightly backwards. Although it is similar to Calya's with a flat design, air conditioning can reach the passengers in the third row seats.

The center back can be folded to become a handrest. Unfortunately no cup holder is provided. But quite helpful when passengers want to relax. Speaking of features, passengers in the second row get two USB ports which are located under the center console.

All passengers including the driver are also guaranteed to be safe, because each seat is equipped with an adjustable headrest, three-point seat belt and airbags that ensure ultimate safety.

The issue of comfort continues with the presence of the long sofa mode. This feature allows all seats, both front and center, to lie down like a sofa. Because the second row seats can go back and forth, adult passengers can still sit in the back seat. However, it can only be used for those who have a height below 170cm. If more than that, the head is easily stuck with the roof.

The isofix feature for baby seats is also available. This technology is very important to install a baby car seat so that the baby can ride safely.

Entertainment for the middle and rear passengers is provided with rear seat entertainment (RSE) aka a monitor attached to the ceiling. They can watch their favorite videos while enjoying the trip. The resulting sound quality is quite adequate. There are six speakers (including two tweeters on the A-pillar). And to adjust the audio is also easier with the audio steering switch on the steering wheel.

The trunk capacity of this car is 400 liters (all seats are used). So it's not a hassle when you have to bring all the family necessities. When the second and third row seats lie down, the luggage volume feels very spacious. Because it is supported by a flat luggage floor, making it more flexible in entering all types of goods.

In addition to luggage, the All New Veloz highest variant has quite a lot of storage space and cup holders. Almost all doors are available, even up to the back seat. Enough to make it easier for passengers to put drinks or other small items.

T Intouch

No less interesting, there are Toyota's latest advanced features, namely T Intouch. Previously only applied to the New Camry premium sedan. T Intouch is a telematics technology by connecting the car with the mTOYOTA application. So that customers can connect to all Toyota mobility services.

T Intouch aims to answer customers' needs for convenience and a sense of being connected to a car. In addition, T Intouch is also an important milestone for Toyota to become a mobility company that provides Total Mobility Solutions, especially for customers in Indonesia.

Offers everyday life digital connectivity experiences and integrated solutions and benefits. First, there is the Find My Car feature which can accurately find out where the vehicle is parked to provide a sense of security and comfort for customers.

Then, there is the Geofencing feature which provides a warning when the vehicle is outside the official zone to ensure customer safety at all times. In addition, T Intouch also comes with features that can provide peace of mind for customers. For example, there is an E-Care (Maintenance) feature that helps set reminders for regular vehicle maintenance so that the customer's vehicle is always in its best performance.

Then there is the Inquiry & Support Center feature that offers direct assistance from the Toyota call center to help solve customer problems. There is also a Road Assistance feature that provides an SOS button when you have an accident. T Intouch will connect users with Toyota's call center to be directed to the Emergency Road Assistance (ERA) provider for faster assistance.

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Comparison of Hyundai Ioniq 5 Electric Car vs Lexus UX 300e

 Ioniq 5 is Hyundai's newest investment to play in the electric vehicle segment in Indonesia. No half-hearted, his presence was immediately responded positively to the achievement of ordering nearly 1,700 units since his presence last month.

Then speaking of rivals, the Ioniq 5 does not stand alone as an EV model in Indonesia. There are several interesting models to compare with the Hyundai product. One of them, the Lexus UX 300e. It seems there is no problem trying to look at the data on paper of these two premium electric vehicle products, which certainly invites interest for electric vehicle enthusiasts to choose each product.

First, just about the price. Ioniq 5 cannot be said to be cheap for most of the automotive market in Indonesia. The official price starts at IDR 718 million. For the model we are comparing, this is the top variant, namely the Signature Long Range at a price of Rp. 829 million. Worth the price to get the current premium status. Then the Lexux UX 300 e comes with a price range of IDR 1.2 billion, a difference of around IDR 400 million from the Ioniq 5, the highest variant. However, Lexus carries the premium image that has been attached to the Japanese brand.

This leads us to the next discussion, namely design. Lexus still carries the design lines commonly found in modern products, such as the distinctive spindle grille, sturdy body shape and distinctive front and rear lamp designs as premium products. Meanwhile, the Ioniq 5 is said to be a revolutionary design because it is different from previous products.

Indeed, this EV still carries a parametric jewel design in some parts, but the retro impression with a square shape is Hyundai's approach to this modern vehicle. It can be said out of the box, but this is evidenced by the various design awards that Hyundai has received for its EV model. Both have their own approach and definitely have their own fans, again about this design, it's more about their individual preferences.

Still discussing the exterior, another comparison is in the size of the tires. The Ioniq 5 uses 19-inch rims with 235/55 R19 tires. The design is quite unique, namely it comes with a parametric design. For Lexus, use 17-inch rims with 215/60 R17 tires. The Lexus rim design approach is more sporty, in accordance with the sports SUV design that he chose.

In terms of color choices, the Ioniq 5 offers optical white, titan gray metallic, magnetic silver metallic, midnight black pearl and gravity gold matte as an option with one interior color choice, namely black. Lexus UX 300e comes with more choices, namely soniq quartz, platinum silver me, sonic titanium, mercury gray mc, black, graphite black, madder red, amber cs, terrane khaki, blazing carnelian and celestial blue. For the interior there is a choice of colors cobalt, black, orcher, rich cream and white ash

Continue to another comparison that is a matter of dimensions. The Ioniq 5 comes with a length of 4,635 mm, a width of 1,890 mm and a height of 1,647 mm with a ground clearance of 160 mm and a wheelbase of 3,000 mm. The Lexus UX 300e offers a length of 4,495 mm, a width of 1,840 mm and a height of 1,545 mm with a wheelbase of 2,640 mm and a ground clearance of 140 mm. Dimensionally, the Lexus is smaller than the Ioniq 5, but has the same carrying capacity of 5 passengers.

The interior design chosen by the Hyundai Ioniq 5 is futuristic, which represents a lounge in the cabin space for a comfortable impression. Some of the main interior features are the presence of a panoramic glass roof, seats wrapped in leather, a seat with footrests in the first row, a 12.3-inch screen that serves as a meter cluster and head unit, as well as a Bose premium eight-speaker sound system for a maximum entertainment experience. drive. The Lexus UX 300e model is still faithful to the same interior design form as other Lexus models. The premium touch comes from the stitching with the sahiko technique, the 10.3-inch head unit, 13 speakers throughout the cabin made by Mark Levinson, as well as a digital meter cluster.

The features of these two electric cars are also quite sophisticated. Ioniq 5 is equipped with Hyundai SmartSense which consists of several active safety features such as high beam assist, forward collision avoidance assist, driver attention warning, smart cruise control with stop & go function. There are still lane keeping assist and lane following assist, blind spot view monitor, blind spot collision avoidance assist, rear cross traffic collision avoidance assist, tire pressure monitoring system, parking distance warning and view monitor. The UX 300e features the Lexus Safety System+ which consists of lane tracing assist, pre-collision system, blind spot monitor, dynamic radar cruise control, parking support brake, rear cross traffic alert, head up display and view around monitor.

Go to the performance section. The Ioniq 5 uses a permanent magnet sychronous motor with a power production of 217 ps and a lithium ion battery with a capacity of 72.6 kWh. In Indonesia, the Ioniq 5 uses a rear drive with a torque of 350 Nm. The AC socket uses type 2 and the DC socket uses the CCS Combo2 type. Its charging capability is for AC charging for six hours and six minutes and DC fast charging for around 56 minutes 30 seconds, while the use of 350 kW fast charging will last for 17 minutes 16 seconds. The Long Range type is claimed to be able to cover a distance of 451 kilometers.

Regarding the advantages of the Ioniq 5 battery, Hyundai includes V2L or vehicle to load capabilities. This capability makes the Ioniq 5 an additional power generator for outdoor activities such as charging gadgets during travel. Its largest total power source is about 3.6 kW which is equivalent to the average household electricity.

The UX 300e uses a permanent magnet motor that produces 201 hp of power with a Li-ion battery with a capacity of 54.35 kWh with a current of 153 Ah. The motor located at the front produces 300 Nm of torque. The charger socket uses type 2 for AC and Chademo for DC. The charging time for the AC wall charger is about 6.5 hours, for a home charging socket it is about 24 hours and for DC fast charging it can be charged in only 50 minutes. Lexus claims this model can cover a distance of 300 km with the WLTP method.

The various advantages above are also added to the after sales program for each model. Hyundai comes with a 24-hour Hyundai Call Center offer, a basic warranty of 3 years or 100,000 kilometers, free maintenance services for up to 5 years or 75,000 kilometers, free 24-hour roadside assistance, Hyundai Comes Anywhere service program, Free 24-hour Emergency mobile charging, and free spare parts for up to 3 years or 45,000 kilometers. In addition, Hyundai includes an electric vehicle battery warranty for 8 years or 160,000 kilometers. Electric car consumers will also get a free AC Home Charger and installation fees as well as a free portable charger. Lexus also offers a warranty that is almost the same as an eight-year warranty, as well as five years of free service and parts.

Conclusion

Looking at the comparison above, the Ioniq 5 and UX 300e can be benchmarks for electric vehicles in the country. Each provides advantages that potential customers can consider. Ioniq 5 offers a fairly complete product, although with a price tag of Rp800 million. For prospective Lexus consumers, it is certain that they will get a premium image that has been built for years but now with a touch of the future through the electric motors offered.

The dominance of consumers of both products is likely to be second or third car buyers. For Ioniq 5 consumers, it could be due to novelty or already having a conventional vehicle in their garage. For Lexus, it is likely loyalists who want a different touch on their SUV. Each one returns to the tastes and needs that are tailored to the existing funding needs

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Meet Kymco Ionex

 Kymco Italia has introduced its newest electric scooter, the Kymco Ionex. The advantages offered by this pollution-free motorbike is a long distance of up to 200 kilometers when the battery is fully charged. Then a practical charging system with an exchange system (battery swap) also makes this motorbike interesting to own.

Quoting Rideapart, the scooter with the full name Ionex Many 110 EV was actually exhibited at the EICMA Milan 2021 automotive exhibition but at that time it was still in prototype form. Well, the model that has been officially introduced looks more perfect with some of the technology it has.

In terms of electricity, the Kymco Ionex Many 110 is equipped with an electric dynamo with a capacity of 3,200 watts or the equivalent of 4.3 horsepower. While the battery system uses a LiFePo4 (LFP) model which the manufacturer claims on a single charge, the vehicle can go up to 124 miles or 200 kilometers.

As explained earlier, one of the advantages offered by this stun motor is the battery exchange system in several spots that has been prepared by Kymco. However, if you want to charge independently, you can also do it at home, it only takes 1 hour to fully charge the battery.

Interestingly, this electric scooter provides space for 5 batteries, each of which weighs 4.9 kilograms. The battery has a kind of handle that is easy to remove or carry around.

In terms of weight, the Kymco Ionex Many 110 weighs up to 93.9 kilograms and can be claimed to reach a top speed of up to 50 kilometers per hour. This electric scooter is said to be suitable for use on congested and congested streets because of its relatively compact dimensions.

Kymco Ionex Features

To accompany the owner's activities, this motorbike is also equipped with various interesting features. For example, there is a connectivity device between a motorbike and a smartphone, so you can monitor all important information including battery power from the screen of your device. 

Next is the embedding of the meter panel with smart navigation access. The direction app is also integrated with battery charging points so that its use will be more enjoyable.

The Ionex Many 110 EV is claimed to be suitable for the needs of typical urban commuters, but Kymco has not released an official price list for this electric scooter. The plan is that KMI (from the Padana Sviluppo group) will distribute Ionex scooters throughout Italy.

However, from various leaks, it is said that the price set by the manufacturer touched 1,420 United States (US) dollars or which, when converted to Rupiah, was equivalent to Rp. 20.6 million. It will be interesting if this motorbike is also imported to Indonesia, especially since the Taiwanese motorcycle brand also trades in the Indonesian two-wheeled market. We are waiting for the surprise

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