In the wake of the 41st Tokyo Motor Show in Japan, Suzuki, the brand behind small cars such as the MR Wagon, Wagon R, Swift, and the Palette, removed the curtain to make way for the new flagship medium sedan that targets popular medium sedans such as the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord/Inspire, Subaru Legacy B4, and the Mazda Atenza. Welcome to Kizashi
Before the real Kizashi existed in Japan, this production model made a world premiere in Detroit at the end of July 2009. Although most people sparked its arrival after several spy shots of this car bombarded the online forums and journal presses, the Japanese flagship sedan is no equal to other medium sedans, despite not being related to the GM Daewoo Tosca/Chevrolet Epica.
On the exterior side, the Kizashi resembles the three Kizashi concept cars revealed in Frankfurt (since 2007), Tokyo (same year) and New York (last year), giving the future of the medium sedan a brighter possibility with no impossibility of exploiting the owner of the car. Much ado about its sporty yet elegant style, the Kizashi's exterior can be somewhat seducing due to its sexier design angle.
By the time the Kizashi was born, the 2.4L engine was its only mainframe for this new-age medium sedan, having a power output of 188PS, a torque of 23.5kg・m, with a fuel economy of 12.6km/L. The Kizashi is armed with the latest Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with paddle shifters found on the steering wheel to give the car's shifting a whole new dimension.
On the safe side, the Kizashi's host of safety features such as the Electronic Stability Program, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, ABS, Hill Hold Control, Parking Sonar, Suzuki's TECT, nine airbags, SRS airbags, and auto light system provide the driver the safest side he needs.
COME TO THINK OF IT...
As a direct competitor to successful medium sedans in the world, Suzuki's first full-fledged medium sedan takes on center stage and soon it will stand out in the crowds like you've never seen before. Technically a Japanese-made car built with Western flair, this is surely a so-so for this car. How I describe this new Suzuki sedan is possibly hard to understand its design language. It might have some ups and downs, some flaws and appeals, and some goods and bads about this car, but this will shape the brand image with it.
With the new Prius launched since May and the Lexus HS250h arrived since July, Toyota favored to create its "third kind" of hybrid vehicle that is truly a "true hybrid sedan" you cannot refuse. What is somewhat interesting is that new kind of hybrid sedan borrowed most of the elements found on the Lexus HS 250h. From the creators of the ever-popular Toyota hybrids such as the Prius and the Lexus HS 250h; meet SAI, the newest expansion to the Toyota hybrid line-up.
Expected to be on sale at Late 2009, the new hybrid sedan combines talents and colors into one unique power of the eco-car from having the charming exterior, unsurpassed performance of a hybrid car, the finest safety features, and the hospitable interior provides more for everyone.
The Exterior Side:
On the front view, the SAI looks somewhat indistinguishable to its sister car, the Lexus HS 250h, but the rear side copied the look of the American Nissan Sentra. Much ado from that, the exterior design finds others somewhat inspirational thanks to Vibrant Clarity, Toyota's design language, and there are seven exterior colors to choose from the Aqua Mica Metallic to the Blackish Red Mica.
The Performance Side:
Gifted with the 2AZ-FXE, 2.4-liter engine with the 143PS motor that brings the fuel economy to a stable 23.0km/L(10・15 mode), the SAI is truly a commitment to the future of the environment. Also on the SAI is the Eco Passport feature that allows G-Book subscribers from Japan to compete themselves for the best fuel economy done on the SAI. This is somewhat similar to the Honda Insight's Eco Grand Prix campaign that allows owners to battle for fuel economy supremacy.
The Safety Side:
The SAI provides a bountiful of safety features that provide the owner the help it deserves in face of various situations. With Steering-assisted Vehicle Stability Control system, Pre-crash Safety System, Brake-signal system, Lane Keeping Assist, radar cruise control, and the wide-view monitor for parking safety, the SAI is very talented for the safety category.
The Comfort Side:
Much ado from the outer side of the SAI, the interior side balanced for rest and relaxation for the passenger. Like a modern house built for comfort, the SAI is a sanctuary of silence and the therapy received for grown-ups. In Toyota history, the Remote Touch system (found on the new Lexus RX and the Lexus HS 250h) makes its brand debut, giving the driver a variety of options at the driver's fingertips.
HOW WAS IT?
Comfort, power, economical, trust, its finest features, the SAI is full on talents that bring everyone the respect it needs. Treat the SAI with the respect it deserves and you will be the top tier among other SAI owners from Japan. The SAI makes a perfect rival against the Honda Insight and other hybrid cars compete for hybrid power and respect among environmentally conscious people everywhere.
With the launch schedule of the second-generation Nissan Fuga is just a few weeks ahead, Toyota has just revealed the second chapter of their "X-Body" machine. By the "X-Body” concept, its real name was the Mark II's alternative: the Mark X.
Since late 2004, the Mark X became the descendant of the long-running Mark II sedan that lasted for over three decades. Originally, the car would have been the tenth-generation Mark II, but due to some historical issues since Nissan fused the long-running Cedric and Gloria sedans into the ultra-luxury premium sedan, known as the Fuga, Toyota decided to rename the Mark II into Mark X. In terminology, the "X" in the Mark X logo does not represent the tenth Mark II (because X represents ten in the Roman numerals), and the true definition of the letter X is shrouded in mystery right now.
On its second-generation, the Mark X continues the X-Body story targeted for men from ages 30 or up. (Remember the promotional "X for Men" short stories starring famous Japanese male actor named Koichi Sato a few years back) It is jokingly the "Japanese Jaguar" because of the X term since all Jaguar cars of today always starts with the letter X. (for instance: XJ, XF, and XK)
The new Mark X splits in to three different styles to choose from, the Standard Type provides a well-balanced proportion; the Premium Type provides excellent comfort for executives, and the Sports Type, which is more suitable for seasoned car enthusiasts who are looking for real action. Depending on the type, try to examine the new exterior design. On front, it is similar to the Lexus IS, but the grille has a big X mark in it, while the rear shapes like the Hyundai Avante/Elantra.
No matter what type you will drive, the new Mark X has heavily armed with two types of engines:
V6 3.5L (2GR-FSE) engine with the power output of 318PS at the fuel economy of 10.2km/L.
V6 2.5L (4GR-FSE) engine with the fuel economy of 13.0km/L.
Best of all, some Mark X types included a six-speed Super ECT automatic transmission with optional paddle shifts for sportier feeling, Driving Response and Acceleration Management System, optional full-time 4WD for all-round cruising, 17-inch disc brakes, front double wishbone and rear multilink suspension, and Adaptive Variable Suspension System.
On the safety side, the Mark X has all the features that you can keep yourself safe. Depending on the type, this car gets the following features such as:
1. Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management,
2. Radar Cruise Control,
3. Intelligent AFS for accurate turn of the headlamps on the night side,
4. Lastly, the innovative Pre-Crash Safety System that provides some of the features, such as the camera mounted on the car's exterior and the driver monitor, to give the driver a safe and pleasant driving on the road.
The comfortable interior completes the extraordinary description of the all new Mark X. From the 8-way adjustable front seats, luggage space, optional rear sunshade, climate control, smart entry and start system, optional sunroof, optitron meters, and the trademark Toyota steering wheel (found on the new Prius and the new Prado) provide excellent comfort and convenience for the grown-ups who are willing to try this feline. Never forget the Super Live Sound System with 12 speakers; it has everything for clearer sound on the move.
YOU DO NOT WANT TO MESS WITH THIS FELINE!
On the slight verification, the Mark X's front bumper could alarm most Crown fanatics thinking these front bumpers of different Mark X types hinted the 13th generation Crown's minor change next year but forget what I told about this thing. Anyway, the second-generation Mark X combines the sportiness of the sports car and the comfort of the luxury car into one prowling package. The second chapter of the "X-Body" begins now at all Toyota's prestigious Toyopet dealerships from all over Japan, and rumor has it, they will put it on China sometime as the new Reiz.
How will the Mark X be? Could be a perfect competitor to the upcoming Nissan Fuga? Could be a little green bag from other luxury medium sedans? The answer will reveal once you are behind the wheel on the all-new Mark X! It is truly a question of honor!
Reader Note: Why I put "Question of Honor" and "Little Green Bag" on my conclusion? To put it simply, the song "A Question of Honour" is the song used in the Mark X commercial since November 2004, and the talented Sarah Brightman sang it. On the 2006 minor change (with the endorser Koichi Sato on the set), the song "Little Green Bag" by George Baker used on this commercial, and it lasted until 2008.
Since 1989, Toyota launched the Lexus brand to the American market, following with the launch of their luxury premium sedan named Celsior and it's sold to the world market as the Lexus LS. In 2005, Toyota brought the Lexus brand to its home country, replacing all the Altezza, Aristo, Soarer, Celsior, and Harrier names into Lexus names such as the IS, GS, SC, LS, and RX.
Now in 2009, the "Exaelitus" of Lexus gets its minor face-lift and next level of features to bring this premium luxury sedan the Lexus touch it deserves. Brace yourselves for the totally redesigned Lexus LS & LS Hybrid. Aside from the face-lifted LS & LS Hybrid (short wheelbase or long wheelbase), a sportier variant known as the LS460 Version SZ joins the LS family to bring adrenaline-pumping executives a custom treatment of this prime sedan.
For the minor change, both the LS460 and the LS600h received themselves a redesigned grille that enhances their L-Finesse philosophy to a whole new dimension. With the enhanced grille, new front bumper design, new set of rims, new rear lamps, and the sportier side from the LS460 Version SZ, proportion takes no substitute for this premium sedan.
From the interior, there is a comfortable side that scatters the enigmatic aura on the inside. Known as the Version UZ variant (similar to the Toyota Crown Majesta's high grade F Package), the optional ottoman rear seat and the rear entertainment system provide comfort and relaxation for the stressful executive on the rush. Also, there is an optional fine graphic meter equipped on the LS' instrumental panel, giving the driver a state-of-the-art technology provided on the long cruising trips ahead. For the wealthy Japanese executives, L-Select is now on the LS and LS Hybrid. The L-Select feature allows the customer to customize the LS' interior with the style he or she deserves, there are 30,000 combinations the customer has to choose from to mix and match the LS' interior style that suits his or her tastes.
GOSH, THAT NEW STYLE OF THE LS SURE IS NICE
Reader note: There is an inevitable cause why I called the Lexus LS an "Exaelitus" because of the CM song used in the Japanese commercial since 2006, it was composed by Yoko Kanno (famous for the BGMs heard from Cowboy Bebop and Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex series) and sung by Origa. For the Lexus fans in the Philippines, stop by for that commercial I said about it.
From its new look, new features, same performance, same safety features, and the new custom LS460 grade, known as the Version SZ, the LS' minor change is the new world of luxury cars from all over the globe. How will the face-lifted beauty of this premiere Lexus sedan shine against other premium sedans? Be prepared to get your hands on the redesigned LS and the LS Hybrid from Lexus, and let your fancy hands flow freely on the road.
When Nissan's Infiniti division failed to place the G Convertible to Japan due to the crossover EX placed as the Nissan Skyline Crossover, the Japanese automaker has something to fill it up:
In celebration of the Z-car's 40th anniversary, Nissan has just dropped the top of its latest Z34 Fairlady Z (known worldwide as the 370Z) and it is ready to turn the tables against other convertibles from all over the world, including the Lexus IS250C. The new Z Roadster from Nissan throws excitement for Z fans, thanks to its stylish form that based from the Z34 Fairlady Z, which launched since December 2008 via Nissan Premium Factory, with the soft-top that can open or close in just 20 seconds, to bring the image of this sports car the striking personality it gets.
From the sexier exterior, the new Z Roadster has all the features that make owners delve deeper to the open car. Depending on the variant, the new Z Roadster is equipped with double wishbone front suspension, multilink rear suspension, front and rear ventilated brakes, 3.7-litre V6 VQ engine that delivers 336PS of power with 9.4km/L of fuel economy, HID headlamps, aluminum wheels, power steering, and ABS for improved braking. There are many features to mention on this majestic beast.
IS IT MIND-BLOWING ENOUGH TO BLOW THE COMPETITION?
The honest fact about the Z34 Fairlady Z's design was truly a Pinoy design, thanks to some Filipino designer, who hailed from Canada and educated in the United States, named Randy Rodriguez. Because of this, most Pinoy car enthusiasts cannot wait to hold their proud hands to the Z34's design that is mostly a Pinoy art. Even in its Roadster variant, this is truly the same Z design that carries the 40-year tradition alive and kicking. Everybody get ready because this latest Z Roadster is about to blow your minds everywhere.
A true people carrier only Honda cars could call for, the all new Honda StepWGN (pronounced Step Wagon) is finally all set to bring the new look and new features to rival against the Nissan Serena and the Toyota twin vans known the Noah and the Voxy. To be fair, middle-class families all over Japan because of its capability, spaciousness, power, ecology, and everything skeptical Honda fans could rely on mostly target the StepWGN from Honda. For the rundown, there are two StepWGNs to choose from; from the normal StepWGN targeted for normal families and the custom StepWGN variant known as the StepWGN Spada, which is perfect for cool dudes everywhere.
Although, previous StepWGN and Spada owners would miss its previous look, in favor for its boxier shape, square-shaped headlamps, new rear lamps, and new set of rims rigged on them. From the normal StepWGN variant, the form is very simple and clean from the eyes of middle-class families, especially soccer moms, while the Spada variant provides aggressive styling and perfect design, which makes it the "toy for the big boys" of today.
Both the new StepWGN and the new StepWGN Spada share the new interior form to provide adults everything they deserve in terms of space, comfort, and conveniences available on both of these vans.
Both StepWGNs are equipped with four-wheel-drive option, a choice of either a 5-speed automatic transmission or CVT, improved suspension, and enhanced safety features such as airbags, multi-view camera system, Vehicle Stability Assist, and improved braking systems. With these features, both the new StepWGN and the new StepWGN Spada powered by the 2.0-litre i-VTEC engine, which delivers an outstanding fuel economy of over 14.0km/L at the power of 150PS.
ONE LAST THING:
With the new StepWGN & new StepWGN Spada gained its all-new form packed with new packaging, new features, and new fuel economy helpers such as the Eco Ring and the ECON mode (as seen on the Insight hybrid car), the rivalry of minivans just reached its highest level no other minivan enthusiasts would ever forget. The regular StepWGN looks perfectly normal for Japanese moms everywhere while the StepWGN Spada is the enthusiasts' choice thanks to its aggressive exterior and interior. Both of these vans would perfectly work out against other Japanese minivans and for the hearts of adults everywhere. Once you are in the new StepWGN, you are ready to get to experience love at the highest peak.
Realizing from the Jaguar XF, the S-Type's replacement premium mid-size sedan, created a new corporate design for Jaguar, things worked out differently to the British premium sedan, known as the Jaguar XJ, that is now on its full model change that kills off the retro design and changed it to Jaguar's new design philosophy to level up their x-factor.
This car was launched since July 2009 at the Saatchi Gallery in London, accompanied by master funnyman Jay Leno himself, made its first motor show appearance at the Frankfurt Motor Show since September, and available in almost the end of December.
The bold new look of Jaguar's prestige luxury sedan provided enthusiasts with pride, honor, integrity, power, and respect on this British beast limousine that brings out the beauty within.
What stands out the crowd is the performance; at the time the new XJ was born, there are three engine choices available such as the 3.0-litre V6 engine, 5.0-litre V8 engine, and the high performance 5.0-litre V8 supercharged engine that delivers over 500PS of power at the top speed of 4.9 seconds in the 0-100kph run. All XJ variants (short wheelbase to long wheelbase) come with the ZF 6-speed automatic transmission with the new shift system for smoother shifting and enhanced performance. Aside from the performance, the Adaptive Dynamics, Active Differential Control, air suspension, and power steering bring most of it on the run.
From the monstrous exterior, the XJ's interior is a beauty finds others reckoned with; luxury speedboats that bring the shape of a luxury boat with the conveniences for adults only inspired the dashboard of the new XJ. Aside from the speedboat-style veneers, there are new packages delivered most for the grown-ups wanted to feed themselves with fanciness such as the JaguarTech, which provides the driver with all the necessary options offered such as navigation, audio, video, and so on. Also on the new XJ, the world's first Dual AVN (Audio Video Navigation, identical to the limited edition model of the previous-generation Toyota Alphard) provides the driver all the navigation options deserved, while the passenger enjoys watching movies or listen to music on the go. Aside from the Dual AVN, the traditional instrumental panel replaced by the Virtual Instrument display (similar to the fine graphic meter found on the present-generation Toyota Crown Majesta), that brings the grown-up the word "convenience" to a completely new level. From all the luxury features, the 30GB Hard Disk Drive, new communication system, and the Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system that provides sound clarity and enhanced quality, the new XJ stands tall against other luxury premium sedans from all over the world.
IS IT SKEPTICAL?
The all-new Jaguar XJ is surely the talk of the town among car enthusiasts from all over the world. With the choice of eight model grades, ten rim choices, and the host of color variations, doubtless this new Jaguar is truly the best Jaguar ever built. As the opponent of MB's S-Class, Lexus' LS, Toyota's Crown Majesta, BMW's 7-Series, Maserati's Quattroporte, Hyundai's Equus, and Porsche's Panamera, the new XJ will standout against these rivals.
