New Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Born in Europe, Use Renault's Platform

 Mitsubishi Motors Corporation introduced the Mitsubishi ASX or better known as the RVR and the Outlander Sport in several countries. This update targets the European compact SUV segment and the presence of the ASX has started since 2010. Interestingly, the model introduced uses the product base of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance. The platform uses the CMF-B model which had previously been developed by Renault through the Captur product.

Based on Mitsubishi's official release, it was revealed that the latest ASX products will be produced at the Renault factory in Valladolid Spain and will be present in March 2023 at Mitsubishi showrooms in several European markets.

The latest ASX makes the impression of Mitsubishi products disappear a little. However, Mitsubishi ensures that distinctive designs such as the Dynamic Shield are still given. This can be seen from the thick grille design with the iconic three large diamond logo on the front. In addition, the smooth design lines, typical of European designs, with a wide body size show a strong impression of an SUV. The front and rear appearance is different from its predecessor which is more similar to its Captur twin.

The interior offers ample cargo space. The rear row of seats can be adjusted back and forth to meet the needs of passenger space. The Smartphone-ink Display Audio (SDA) feature is located in the center of the instrument panel. In addition, the Multi-Sense system that can be adjusted via SDA allows the driver to choose the driving mode to suit their needs.

In addition, there is an advanced driver assistance system technology feature via MI-PILOT. Some of them include adaptive cruise control, lane centering assist and several other features for safety support while driving.

About the engine, ASX is offered in several options. This is to meet the transportation needs and choice of machinery in the European market. Highest is the plug in hybrid system (PHEV) with a 1.6 liter petrol engine paired to two electric motors, an alternator starter and a motor. This model uses an automatic transmission, a multi-mode gearbox and a 10.5 kWh battery.

The full hybrid (HEV) model uses a 1.6 liter petrol engine with two electric motors. This model uses an automatic transmission, a multi-mode gearbox and a 1.3 kWh battery. Mild hybrid model for those who want a cheaper price, comes with a 1.3 liter direct injection turbo engine. This model is paired with a six-speed manual transmission and a seven-speed double clutch automatic transmission (7DCT). The cheaper model is offered with a 1.0-liter turbo gasoline engine paired with a six-speed manual transmission.

ASX or Outlander Sport itself in Indonesia has been discontinued some time ago. The reason is because in the Outlander segment, Mitsubishi Indonesia has the newer Eclipse Cross. Will this latest model be present in Indonesia? We'll just have to wait some time.

Read More

Kawasaki Partners with Toyota to Develop Hydrogen Engine

 Kawasaki Motors Corp. cooperates with Toyota Motor Corp. The partnership was carried out for the development of a hydrogen engine. While moving forward with the commercialization of green vehicles, Toyota aims to share data and concerns with the motorcycle industry. According to the world's largest automaker, this is a move that is believed to accelerate the development of hydrogen engines for vehicles.

 Toyota has been one of the most pro-active manufacturers with regard to the development of future sustainable alternatives to ICE, including hybrid and electric technologies. And now manufacturers are also forging ahead with innovations in hydrogen power.

While Kawasaki stands out from its competitors for investing in hydrogen technology. It has emphasized its commitment by joining forces with Toyota to pool resources and develop hydrogen engines for future motorcycles.

The deal with Toyota offered Kawasaki many advantages. At least the giant car company is already at a more advanced stage of innovation in the hydrogen field. It has been done since about 30 years ago, thus accelerating development. One example is the Toyota Mirai. The world's first commercially available dedicated hydrogen fuel cell car, of which more than 2,600 units were sold globally.

The deal came earlier this month when Toyota President Akio Toyoda rode a hydrogen Kawasaki ATV at the Mobility Resort Motegi circuit. The hydrogen engine installed is actually for motorcycles and has been developed by Kawasaki Motors Corp - a subsidiary of Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd which is in charge of the motorcycle division. The company develops engines in collaboration with Toyota, Denso Corp and other companies.

"There should be various options for reducing carbon dioxide emissions. I hope the government will support output with technological innovations like this, rather than stopping us with regulation," Toyoda told reporters at the event.

Kawasaki's hydrogen engine is a modified version of the Ninja H2 engine. The company has installed its units in four-wheeled vehicles sold by motorcycle manufacturers in North America and other markets. Other parts and components are the same as those used in the hydrogen-powered Toyota Corolla.

Kawasaki said its company joined the project after being encouraged by Akio Toyoda to work together beyond the boundaries of motorcycles and cars. The design process began in earnest in December 2022.

The company intends to use the technology for motorcycle decarbonization together with Suzuki Motor Corp, Honda Motor Co and Yamaha Motor Co, and other major Japanese motorcycle manufacturers.

Hydrogen Technology

A hydrogen engine burns water instead of gasoline, and no CO2 is emitted except for burning engine oil. Unlike a fuel cell vehicle, it uses electricity generated from hydrogen to drive a motor. The basic structure of hydrogen-engined vehicles is the same as that of gas-powered cars, so Japanese manufacturers can apply the parts and technology they already have.

Toyota's hydrogen-engined vehicle completed the five-hour endurance race held at Motegi from September 3 to 4, 2021. One year has passed since entering the race last May, and vehicle output has surpassed that of gasoline-powered vehicles in the same class year.

“The landscape has definitely changed over the last year. There were difficulties, but now it's clear what we need to do," Toyota Operations Officer Koji Sato told reporters on Sept. 4.

To increase mileage, Toyota is also working on technology to use hydrogen in liquid form rather than gas, as is the case today. The volume of liquid hydrogen is 1/800 of the gas, creating the possibility of loading the tank with more fuel.

Although temperature control and other issues persist, trials of vehicles equipped with the system have been carried out on track, with the aim of participating in the races before the end of the year.

Read More

5 Cheapest Cars Using Panoramic Roof Or Sunroof

 The sunroof or panoramic roof feature in Indonesia, usually only found in luxury cars or European cars. Understandably, in Europe the sunroof is no longer a luxury feature and can be found in almost every car. Yup, in Europe, there are kia Picanto city cars that only use a sunroof.

However, lately there have been several non-luxury cars in Indonesia that use sunroofs. Even the cheapest new car in Indonesia that uses a sunroof, is sold with prices starting from Only Rp. 300 million. Some Japanese and Korean manufacturers have also begun to dare to install sunroofs for their medium-sized cars in Indonesia. There are also those of the panoramic type.

Here we explain five cheap cars in Indonesia that already use sunroofs.

1. Chevrolet Trax 1.4 LTZ AT Rp 305 million

Chevrolet Trax is probably one of the cheapest cars in Indonesia with the most modern technological innovations and features today. Try it, Trax is the cheapest turbo engined car in Indonesia. In addition, this crossover SUV is also the cheapest new car in Indonesia that is equipped with an electric sunroof. 

This car just changed its face and was introduced last February. The design now looks more modern because the front grille is no longer large. The headlights are now squinted and already projectors with LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL). As a crossover, as usual, the side fenders use black garnish and the roof also has a roof rail.

The cabin is even more luxurious. The new Trax dashboard looks sweet because there is a touch of leather material. The stir has also been wrapped in leather. The features are also advanced. There is a start-stop button, smart entry, electric folding mirror, parking camera, to the power plug of the house 230 V. Great right? So you can charge your laptop or clean the car carpet using a vacuum cleaner, to shave your beard using electricity in the cabin.

Chevrolet Trax uses a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine powered by 140 PS with a peak torque of 200 Nm. One more advantage of this car, the Trax is only sold in a 6-speed automatic transmission whose gear can be moved manually (tiptronic). There are two variants, namely Trax 1.4 LT AT for Rp. 279 million and Trax 1.4 LTZ AT for Rp. 305 million. The sunroof feature exists only for its most expensive type.

2. Mitsubishi Outlander Sport PX Rp 370 million

Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is indeed not a new car. The car, which is also sold in Europe under the name Mitsubishi RVR, was first introduced to Indonesia in 2010 but was only sold in 2012. It was rejuvenated in 2014, it is reported that even this year the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Indonesia wants to be played once again. His face will use Mitsubishi's new design language similar to the Pajero Sport.

Although it is not a new car, the design of the Outlander Sport is not yet obsolete. Moreover, the features cannot be said to be left behind. Just look at it, the headlights of the projector and the transmission are CVT. And most importantly, the cabin has a panoramic roof. Yes, not a sunroof but a panoramic roof. Indeed, the roof cannot be opened tilt and sliding like a sunroof. But this panoramic glass roof extending backwards is the only one in its segment.

The features in the interior are also quite luxurious. There is a keyless operating system feature with a start-stop button. Then there is also magnesium paddle-shift.

The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport uses a 2.0-litre petrol engine that powers 150 PS at 6,000 rpm with a peak torque of 197 Nm at 4,200 rpm. In addition to the CVT transmission, there is also a choice of 5-speed manual transmission. This crossover SUV is sold in three types, namely GLX for RP 330 million, GLS for IDR 345 million and PX for IDR 370 million. Panoramic roof is only available in the highest variant.

3. Honda HR-V 1.8 Prestige Rp 377 million

First introduced in Indonesia in 2014, the Honda HR-V is a car that revives the crossover SUV segment in Indonesia. The thing is, the HR-V at that time came at a relatively affordable price with no less great features. At that time, the cheapest type of HR-V was sold starting at Rp. 240 million.

But it's not the cheapest HR-V that uses a sunroof. is his most expensive type. The Honda HR-V is sold in two engine options, 1.5-liter and 1.8-liter. The Honda HR-V 1.8 Prestige with automatic transmission that uses an electric sunroof is the second cheapest car in Indonesia equipped with a sunroof if the Outlander Sport panoramic roof is not considered.

This car is quite sophisticated because it uses many modern features ranging from audio steering switches, automatic air conditioning with a touchscreen screen, paddle-shift and leather-coated steering wheel, smart entry with a start-stop button, ECO assist, to cruise control. The price is Rp 377 million this April 2017. Relatively less expensive considering these features are common in luxury cars.

4. Hyundai Tucson XG Idr 416 million

The Korean car manufacturer, Hyundai, has indeed changed drastically since the last ten years. The design of their cars has changed to be more European, especially since Audi's chief designer, Peter Schreyer joined as chief designer of Kia Motors under the Hyundai umbrella since 2006.

This latest Hyundai Tucson is one of peter schreyer's works. Hyundai Tucson in Indonesia is sold in two engine options. For the gasoline engine type, Hyundai provides two variants, namely the Tucson GLS for IDR 385 million and the Tucson XG for IDR 416 million. This gasoline-engined Tucson is powered by 157 PS at 6,200 rpm with a peak torque of 196 Nm at 4,000 rpm. Hyundai Tucson Indonesia is only available in a shiftronic 6-speed automatic transmission.

Amazingly, this Tucson already uses a panoramic sunroof. That is, the roof is glass extending all the way to the back like mitsubishi Outlander's panoramic roof. The difference is that the front glass roof of the Tucson can be opened in tilt and sliding. The Tucson panoramic sunroof is also electric for its curtain open and close mechanism. This feature makes the Hyundai Tucson the cheapest car in Indonesia that uses a panoramic sunroof.

Of course, this feature is only available in its highest type, the Tucson XG. The price is Idr 416 million. It is indeed more than RP 400 million, but this feature is the best in its class. This Panoramic Sunroof is also present for the Tucson diesel engine Tucson XG CRDi which is sold more expensive at IDR 458 million.

5. Nissan Serena 2.0 Panoramic Autech Rp 465,1 million

Nissan Serena is one of Nissan's flagship Multi Murpose Vehicles (MPV) in Indonesia. One of the advantages is the electric sliding door, a spacious cabin with high flexibility, and of course a glass roof or panoramic roof for the highest type. No wonder that in its class, Serena may be one of the best-selling compared to the Toyota Nav1, Mitsubishi Delica, or Mazda Biante.

Nissan Serena HWS Autech is sold at a price of Rp 465.1 million. Indeed, the glass roof cannot be opened in a tilt and sliding manner similar to the panoramic roof of the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. But what is clear is that this car has an excellent level of cabin flexibility especially for its seat configuration.

The Nissan Serena HWS Autech has 3 rows of seats with a center console that can be shifted from the front seats to the second row of seats. This center console can function as an arm rest, it can also be enforced as a seat for passengers. If pulled forward, the second row of seats becomes similar to a captain seat and leaves room in the middle for access to the rear seats. In addition, the cabin is also large and spacious.

Comfort is indeed Serena's main value. This car uses Nissan's signature Xtronic CVT transmission. Performance is indeed not what this car excels at. But the 2.0-liter engine powered by 147 PS at 5,600 rpm is reliable. Even though she uses a panoramic roof, Serena can still attach a 10-inch LCD entertainment screen to the ceiling.

In addition to these five cars, there is also a Mitsubishi Pajero Sport Dakar 4x2 AT for Rp. 505,000,000 which also uses a sunroof. The latest generation of Mitsubishi Pajero Sport comes a week after the launch of its rival, the Toyota Fortuner. One of the features that Mitsubishi's flagship SUV in Indonesia boasts compared to its rivals, is the presence of a sunroof. Yes the Toyota Fortuner does not have a sunroof.

Another car that also has a sunroof that sells under Rp. 500 million is the Kia Sportage GT Ultimate for Rp. 475,500,000. Meanwhile, another Honda SUV, namely the Honda CR-V 2.4 Prestige AT Fender Audio, also uses a sunroof and is sold for IDR 501,000,000.

Read More

Aprilia Develops New 250cc Engine for Entry Level Sportbike

 Aprilia is developing a new four-stroke 250 cc parallel-twin engine. It is known from the design of the drawings registered by Piaggio's joint venture with Zongshen in China. The registration of the new twin cylinder engine is reportedly made under the project name 'GPR250RR'. This unit will be intended for entry-level sportbikes.

Now the Noale company is working on a new 250 cc engine. This engine is not similar to the GPR250R sold in China. Yes, it does not carry one cylinder but two cylinders. The GPR250RR would later become the most exotic engine of the existing ones.

Unlike most other parallel twin engines. Aprilia's 250 cc unit appears to have a central cam drive located between the two cylinders. This unique arrangement is said to reduce the flexibility of camshafts and crankshafts under heavy loads. Points out that the brand-new RS250 could be a purely race engine designed for the track.

Such a configuration can be said to be an unusual innovation for Aprilia. But not for other manufacturers, such models have already been adopted by Honda 1, 000 cc six-cylinder, V4 from VFR400R or Yamaha YZR-M1 MotoGP engines.

According to Aprilia, the engine model under development has a more compact cylinder head. In addition, with the arrangement of the central drive running between the two cylinders can reduce the likelihood of the camshaft and the crankshaft bending or twisting. From the circulating image, it also shows the layout of the DOHC character engine. And of course it is water-cooled. Aprilia's decision to design this layout to pursue more spin or performance.

A little reminiscent, the single-cylinder GPR250R became the basis of the track-only Aprilia RS250 SP offered in Europe in 2020. Aimed at novice racers. The power produced is only 28 Hp. But the engine has the attraction of a fairly light weight, 105 kg. While the latest 250 twin cylinders under development are predicted to produce much higher power than that.

With the new twin cylinders, it is expected to achieve power above 40 Hp. Because competitors in the same class are the Yamaha R3 (Europe) 321 cc which has a record power of 41.4 Hp and the Honda CBR250RR which reaches 40.2 Hp.

Thanks to the fact that Aprilia is under the Piaggio group, which has the resources of several other manufacturers, a new 250 cc unit is currently being developed by Zongshen-Piaggio in China. Yes, Aprilia is no stranger to Chinese R&D, because its small sportbike, the RS125 and GPR250R sold there were developed and manufactured by Zongshen.

If Aprilia releases this new model in the global market, it is very likely that its consumers will be novice riders looking for a light and powerful bike to bring to the circuit. Obviously, this model became a tough competitor to the Yamaha R3 and CBR250RR.

Read More

Leaked Specifications of Toyota Innova Zenix and Hybrid 2022

 The issue of the arrival of the latest generation of Toyota Innova continues to blow fast. Not only in the country, new models are also widely discussed in the international automotive industry. Understandably, it is a global vehicle. Many are waiting. In fact, he carries the Zenix frills and has been registered with the Ministry of Law and Human Rights. Design images have also appeared a lot. One by one rumors turned into facts.

The first, the use of the name Toyota Innova Zenix as a successor. This nomenclature is used for gasoline-fueled models. Not for hybrids. Based on the info obtained, he will use a 2.0-liter engine. But both power and torque capabilities will be improved. The car no longer rests on the ladder frame chassis. But using the TNGA monocoque, it was likely taken from the Corolla Cross Hybrid.

Toyota will also strip away the 2.4-liter diesel engine. There will be two petrol and hybrid options available. Then the conventional 6-speed A/T transmission type was replaced with a CVT. The drive or power delivery system switches from the rear axle to the front wheels. Applies to both new models. The manual gearbox option is also allegedly no longer available in the new generation.

For the hybrid version, Toyota will combine a 2.0-liter engine, an electric motor and lithium ion battery support. It is not yet known how much power it is. But it is believed to be increasing in performance. If it is based on information from salespersons at official dealers. The new Innova will be launched around November or no later than the end of the year. About the price is predicted to start from IDR 400 million and above.

Regarding the language of design and build. Toyota seems to continue to adopt the Keen Look design. You can see from the rendering version or the one that is widely circulated on Instagram. Starting from the change of the wasp nest-style hexagonal grille. The shape of the headlight housing changed. From parallelogram to slightly angular. The bumper is automatically rearranged along with the turn signal below.

The shape of the rims in the petrol variant may change by 17 inches and 18 inches for the hybrid trim. The look looks sweet when the patterns and paint are like that. If it's from the back side, visuals like Rush or Terios. The tail light flows all the way to the side of the body. The shape of the stern was also reorganized.

Security and safety features are definitely updated. For the highest variants and hybrids it is quite possible to use the Toyota Safety Sense. More advanced than All New Veloz. The combined safety package includes a Pre-Collision System (PCS), Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC). Next, insert Lane Departure Alert (LDA), Automatic High Beam (AHB), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) and Blind Spot Monitor (BSM). Then T Intouch is also definitely installed. Its function is to connect between the car and the owner. Namely through a telematics device installed in the vehicle. The system can read data from the car. Wait for the next update of the info.

Read More

Yamaha Fazzio Hybrid Smitten, Take a Peek at the Service Cost of the First Year of Use

 Yamaha Fazzio is still the only entry level automatic motorcycle equipped with a hybrid device in the Indonesian market. Although it is classified as a mild hybrid, the manufacturer claims that the injection of technology makes fuel consumption more economical and performance.

Well, before buying it, it would be better to know the service cost of this motorbike. The goal is of course to calculate how much the cost of ownership is, especially during periodic maintenance in an authorized workshop.

Explained by Technical Advisor of PT Yamaha Indonesia Motor Manufacturing (YIMM), Slamet Kasianom. Basically the Fazzio bears a resemblance to Yamaha's other 125 cc engined scooters, both in terms of the internal engine and the legs. So you could say the service cost is not much different.

It's the same with everything else (Yamaha 125 cc). Including the price of fast moving parts, it is similar to the Yamaha Freego," said Slamet, not long ago.

Slamet continued, after the unit covered a distance of 1, 000 km it was mandatory to perform service. Then the duration of the first, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and subsequent servicing uses a count distance of 3, 000 km or once every 3 months.

For your information, all service costs are borne by Yamaha Indonesia until the 4th service time or when it reaches a distance of 10 thousand km. In the first service the owner is not charged for service fees and engine oil changes, but in the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th service services are covered only but for the replacement of parts or lubricants will be charged to the owner.

Then in the 2nd service you will spend money on the purchase of engine oil and CVT axle oil. The engine oil used is Yamalube Power Matic (0.8L) for IDR 47.5 thousand and axle oil (140 ML) for IDR 16 thousand.

During the 3rd service you need to spend only IDR 47.5 thousand to buy engine oil. There is no axle oil change and you can still get free service. After your Fazzio has covered 10 thousand kilometers or in the 4th service, the owner is advised to replace the engine lubricant and axle oil again. The total cost to be incurred is IDR 63.5 thousand.

Entering the 5th service or the odometer number already shows 13 thousand kilometers you will no longer get free service. Here will be charged the cost of servicing, changing the engine oil, air filter and rear brake pads. Then the money that must be spent is IDR 231.5 thousand. Especially for brake pads, it is situational depending on use, it may not be replaced or have been replaced since the 3rd service.

Total Cost of Yamaha Fazzio Service in Year One

After totaling, yamaha Fazzio service costs for 1 year of use reached Rp406 thousand. This price includes 4 engine oil changes, 2 axle oil changes, 1 brake lining change, 1 air filter change, and 1 time service fee.

Below are some fast moving component prices of the Yamaha Fazzio Hybrid. However, it should be noted that the included price tag has the status of Suggested Retail Price (HED), which means it could be different in each domicile or region.

Read More

Leaked New Yamaha XMax 250, Here are the Changes and Predictions of The New Features

 Yamaha is reportedly preparing the latest version of its bongsor scooter Yamaha XMax 300 or which in Indonesia is more familiar with its 250 cc engine. A number of photos show that this bike will get some refreshes even though we say it's only minor.

Citing RideApart, the bike, which is suspected to be the latest model from yamaha XMax, is being tested on the road. The report is that the bike that is currently conducting the test pockets the specific specifications of the European market.

From the picture we can see if the manufacturer does not close or camouflage thoroughly its form. The unit is simply wrapped in some kind of matte black-winded sticker from the fascia to the stern.

Its general form is not much different from the Yamaha XMax sold today. However, if you look at it in more detail, there are changes to the face that appear a little calmer than the current version.

Furthermore, the component near the windshield now has a lamp cluster which is likely to be a marker of the turn signal. While in the side body sector, the rear body, seats, and rims have not changed or are the same as the existing models.

New Features in Yamaha XMax

It has been almost 6 years since the Yamaha XMax has not changed in the design sector. Nevertheless, this bike is still well received by the market because of its attractive visuals.

This design is likely to continue to be maintained by Yamaha, but it is to give the effect of the novelty of the feature sector that will be improved. Previous devices such as the ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) braking system on the front and rear tires will be maintained with the addition of a traction control system. Not only that, it is reported that there will also be an electric front shield feature to adjust the height level of the windshield electronically.

The latest Yamaha XMax is believed to pack Y-Connect connectivity technology like in the Nmax or Aerox 155 VVA. Through this feature, motorists can connect to motorbikes via smartphones to monitor all important information from the vehicle.

In the European market, yamaha XMax has a Euro 5 engine standard and comes in several engine cubication options, namely 125 cc, 250 cc, 300, cc, and 400 cc. While in Indonesia, XMax is offered with only 1 engine choice, namely 250 cc which is able to produce 22.5 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 24.3 Nm of torque at 5,500 rpm.

It is interesting to wait for the presence of the latest Yamaha XMax in the Indonesian market. Considering that rival Honda Forza had already undergone a major change at the beginning of last year.

Read More