2014 Toyota Corolla rendered as a coupe

The Toyota Paseo was the last attempt from the Japanese manufacturer to build a low-cost entry-level sports coupe. The car was stopped in 1999 and has no direct replacement at the moment.

 

X-Tomi envisions a worthy successor with his latest renderings based on the Auris hatch. The two-door four seater should rival the likes of Opel Astra GTC and the Renault Megane Coupe.

Do you think the Paseo deserves a place in Toyota's lineup?

The 2014 Toyota Corolla has lost its rear doors in this render made by X-Tomi Design.

The recently unveiled 2014 Corolla in both U.S.- and Euro-spec versions won’t win any design awards, but it certainly brings a significant improvement in terms of styling compared to its predecessors. It’s a nice surprise to see the Corolla looking fairly attractive and this could be the reason why some have already released renders with the recent versions of the eleventh generation model which originally debuted last year in Japan.

The U.S.-spec version was a source of inspiration for X-Tomi Design who envisioned the car as a coupe. Again, it’s not the best looking coupe out there but since it’s wearing the “Corolla” badge we should be more indulgent.

We don’t know if Toyota is planning a coupe version of the latest Corolla but it could be a good idea to further popularize the “Corolla” nameplate which competes with Ford’s “Focus” for the world’s most successful car moniker.

Source : Al Ain Japan

Used Car in Japan, Japanese Used Cars for Sale, Japanese Used Cars

Following a couple of teaser shots, Opel has fully revealed the Astra OPC EXTREME which is heading to Geneva Motor Show next week.

Described as being the fastest road-going Astra ever, the OPC EXTREME is 100 kg (220 lbs) lighter than the regular OPC variant thanks to an extensive use of carbon fiber. This lightweight material was used for making the hood, roof and the wheels which are 20 kg (44 lbs) lighter than the regular alloys. In addition, the fenders are produced from aluminum and weigh just 800 grams / piece instead of their steel counterparts which tip the scales at 2.2 kg (4.8 lbs).

Its heart and soul is a four-cylinder 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline all-aluminum engine delivering more than 300 bhp (224 kW) sent to the front axle through a six-speed manual gearbox and a limited-slip differential. Stopping power comes from Brembo's six-piston brake system with 370mm front discs sitting behind the 19-inch alloy wheels wrapped around in specially developed 245/35 tires.

Performance figures have not been released but given the more power + less weight combo, the car is certainly faster than the regular Astra OPC which needs 5.9 seconds until 60 mph (96 km/h) on its way to a top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h).

The stripped interior has a safety roll bar instead of rear seats while up front there are Recaro bucket seats with Schroth six-point safety belts and a carbon fiber-reinforced steering wheel covered in suede with yellow stitching.

Opel has announced the Astra OPC EXTREME will enter low-volume production after its public debut set for next week at the 84^th Geneva Motor Show.

Source: Al Ain Japan

Japanese Car Dealer - Al Ain Japan

A purported picture of the Mazda Hazumi concept has surfaced online.

Set to be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show, the Hazumi has a striking exterior with a prominent grille that is flanked by LED-infused headlights. The concept also has front spoiler, a stylish greenhouse and massive alloy wheels. Other highlights include a black roof, a tailgate-mounted spoiler and aerodynamic side skirts.

Little else is known about the model but it previews the next-generation Mazda2. That particular car will target female buyers and spawn a Toyota variant that will go into production in the summer of 2015.

Hazumi" means "spring up" or "bound" in Japanese and the concept will provide a first glimpse at Mazda's upcoming subcompact model which will probably be shown later this year. Judging by this teaser photo, we notice Mazda has taken styling cues from the Mazda3 and Mazda6 but on a smaller scale to fit the small dimensions of the concept.

As far as the production version, the Mazda2 will target a female audience and it is believed the vehicle will ride on a shortened variant of the CX-5's platform. Expect the car to grow in size compared to the outgoing model and chances are it will spawn a crossover variant.

Also in Geneva next month the audience will get to see Mazda's newly developed SKYACTIV-D 1.5 clean diesel engine which will likely find its way under the hood of the Mazda2 as well as other small and compact models from the Japanese marque.

Source: Japanese Car Dealer

Japanese Car Dealer

Suzuki is introducing in UK the Swift SZ-L special edition which will be limited to 500 units.

Japanese marque Suzuki is trying to spice up the UK-spec Swift facelift with a special edition SZ-L based on the mid-range SZ3 but with a few extra goodies. Available starting March 1^st, the model comes equipped as standard with air conditioning, seven airbags, ESP, Bluetooth, as well as the LED daytime running lights and cruise control borrowed from the SZ4 variant.

The model is offered with a two-tone metallic paint job available in either Boost Blue or Cosmic Black with contrasting Cool White roof, door mirrors and rear spoiler. The cabin features silver stitching on the gear gaiter, steering wheel and also on the seats which now have a bespoke fabric design.

In the United Kingdom two engines are available. 1.2-liter petrol that produces 94 HP (69 kW) and 118 Nm (87 lb-ft) of torque. It should enable the five-door hatchback to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 12.3 seconds (13.5 seconds with the four-speed automatic) and hit a top speed of up to 165 km/h (102 mph).

The listing also suggests there will be a 1.3-liter diesel that churns out 75 HP (55 kW) and 190 Nm (140 lb-ft) of torque. This should enable the Swift to run from 0-100 km/h in 12.7 seconds, before topping out at 165 km/h (102 mph).

The Suzuki Swift SZ-L Special edition will be offered as a three-door model from 10,899 GBP and also a five-door priced from 11,316 GBP.

Source: Japanese Car Dealer

Honda Cars - Al Ain Japan - Used Car Dealer in Japan

Honda has unveiled the CR-V Black and White Editions in the United Kingdom.

The CR-V equipped with the new 1.6-liter i-DTEC Earth Dreams Technology diesel engine. The power unit is available exclusively for the two-wheel drive version fitted with a manual gearbox. The engine is the lightest diesel in its class, generating 120 HP (88 kW) at 4,000 rpm and 300 Nm (221 lb-ft) of torque at 2,000 rpm with CO2 emissions as low as 119 g/km.

The British built SUV is very slightly longer than the old model, but has a 30mm lower roofline and the rear seat base has been dropped by 38mm, along with the driver’s seat dropping 10mm, all of which give the CR-V a much more car-like feel. Honda describe the car as a “perfectly centred balance between a car and an SUV”.

Visually the front end adopts the new Honda styling theme with a large grille that overlaps the swept-back headlights and a sharply creased front bumper with chunky off-road cladding at the bottom.

Described as a real head tuner, the special editions are equipped with a mesh grille, side running boards and body color skid plates. The crossovers also have privacy glass, a tailgate-mounted spoiler, a chrome exhaust tip and 19-inch Orion-style alloy wheels.

Interior changes are limited but the models come nicely equipped with dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth connectivity and GPS navigation.

The waistline rises up to the rear end where we see a small rear window and wraparound rear lights that from the rear three-quarter view gives a look very much like that of the Volvo XC60.

The special editions are currently on sale and the petrol variant starts at £28,400 (OTR).

Source: Honda Car In Japan

Subaru car in Japan - Al Ain Japan

Subaru is allegedly plotting a special edition BRZ but don't get your hopes up too high as it won't feature turbocharging.

Our colleagues from Car & Driver have obtained information about an upcoming Subaru BRZ special edition that will be revealed later this year. While many are waiting for Subaru to finally turbocharge the BRZ, it seems the special edition will come only with cosmetic changes such as a front lip spoiler, STI badging and bespoke alloy wheels. The kit will also include a rear wing and different side skirts to complete the exterior look.

Don't expect to find the handling tweaks implemented in the Japan-exclusive BRZ tS which also comes with a few upgrades in the braking and suspension departments. For those who can't wait anymore for a factory turbo for the BRZ, there are many aftermarket specialist willing to apply forced induction on the 4-cylinder, 2.0-liter boxer engine of the BRZ which in naturally aspirated form delivers 200 HP (147 kW).

On the outside it is distinguished by STI 17-inch black alloy wheels and a black look for the side mirrors. It will be available with a variety of body paint schemes, while the cabin is set to get two-tone leather-wrapped steering wheel and seats. Above the instrument panel it will have black Alcantara with contrast tan stitching also found at the doors' top section and on the sides of the center console.

Other upgrades worth mentioning include the aluminum pedals, STI engine button, silver accents and a carbon fiber trim on the dashboard. Subaru also used tan leather for the doors, and black leather with tan stitching on the gearbox and handbrake levers.

Scheduled to go on sale exclusively in Japan at the end of the year, the Subaru BRZ Premium Sport Edition will have a starting price of 3,034,500 yen (approximately 31,000 USD / 22,600 EUR / 19,300 GBP).

Source: Al Ain Japan

Toyota car Exporters in Japan - Al Ain Japan

Toyota's Australian product planning manager has revealed the company is considering a small crossover to slot below the RAV4.

 

 

Speaking to Japanese Car Dealer, Mark Dobson said the compact crossover segment is a "market for all players" and "Toyota is interested in any market that is growing.” He went on to say the company has already been conducting research on a potential model to slot below the RAV4 and “That’s the car they [people] want to buy. Those types of cars were seen to satisfy those trends.”

While Toyota already offers the Rush in some markets, it appears the new compact crossover could have greater availability as the segment is booming globally with new entries such as the Opel / Vauxhall Mokka, Buick Encore and Ford EcoSport.

The interior boasts an asymmetrical dashboard which incorporates ambient lighting, secondary controls and a 6.1-inch touchscreen display. There's also has a three-spoke steering wheel, metallic accents and circular air vents. Entry-level models are sparsely equipped but higher-end variants can be ordered with leather upholstery, an Entune infotainment system and an 11-speaker JBL GreenEdge premium audio system.

Power is provided exclusively by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that develops 176 bhp (131 kW) and 172 lb-ft (233 Nm) of torque. It is connected to a new six-speed transmission that enables the model to return 24 mpg city / 31 mpg highway with front-wheel drive and 22 mpg city / 29 mpg highway with the optional all-wheel drive system.

Speaking of the all-wheel drive system, it offers three different modes: Auto, Lock and Sport. Auto Mode primarily sends power to the front wheels but will automatically engage the rear wheels when needed. Lock Mode, on the other hand, evenly distributes power between the front- and rear wheels at speeds less than 25 mph (40 km/h). Lastly, Sport Mode promises to improve the crossover's handling by instantaneous transferring torque to the rear wheels when going around corners.

Source : Japanese Car Dealer