Small and mighty: the history of the Japanese kei car, Part - 1

• The tiny Japanese kei car can trace its roots back as far as post-war Japan. Since then, the fun-size motors have conquered their domestic market and spread across the world. We celebrate the history of the kei car.

• The name stems from kei jidosha - or light vehicle - and it covers kei cars, kei trucks and kei minivans. Indeed, the earliest kei vehicles were delivery trucks, designed for small businesses and shops. This lineup of model cars shows the diversity.

•  The growth of the kei car was thanks to Japan’s Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI), as it looked to kickstart the economy after the Second World War.

• Many Japanese people were unable to afford a full-size car, so it was hoped that these kei cars would mobilise the nation by giving people an alternative to motorcycles.

• Kei cars were cheaper to buy, to insure and to tax. Initial growth was slow, not least because the engines were restricted to 150cc four-stroke or 100cc two-stroke capacities.

• In the early 1950s, the engine restrictions were slowly lifted. In 1950, 300cc four-stroke and 200cc two-stroke were permitted, with 1951 seeing the limit raised to 360cc and 240cc respectively. But the increase to 360cc for both four- and two-stroke engines heralded the real birth of the kei car. The Suzuki Suzulight goes down in history as the first kei car.

• When it went on sale in October 1955, three body styles were available, namely the Suzulight SS (saloon), Suzulight SL (light van) and Suzulight SP (pickup). The Suzulight brand lived on until 1969.

• But if the Suzulight laid the foundations, it was the Subaru 360 of 1958 that provided the building blocks for the kei. This was the first mass-produced kei car.

• The Subaru 360 - nicknamed the Ladybug - was a landmark vehicle. It was the first car to be sold under Fuji Heavy Industries’ Subaru brand and is one of the best selling microcars of all-time. A total of 300,000 cars were sold.

• Malcolm Bricklin established Subaru of America in 1968, simply to sell the 360 in the USA. Bricklin is the businessman responsible for the Bricklin SV-1 sports car, as well as importing Yugos from Yugoslavia.

• The Subaru kei car took its name from its two-stroke 356cc engine. With 16hp on tap, it wasn’t exactly quick, but it offered accommodation for four adults. In its day, the 360 was a credible rival to the Volkswagen Beetle.

• As kei cars developed, they grew ever more sophisticated. The Honda N360 of 1967 was a sign that the industry was finding its feet. Like the Subaru 360, this was a significant car.

• It was powered by a 354cc taken from the Honda CB450 motorcycle, with the displacement reduced to comply with kei car legislation. In many ways, the Honda N360 was the Japanese Mini.

• Indeed, the larger-engined N600 was developed for export market and was the first Japanese car to be officially exported to the United States.

• The Honda N600 wasn’t hugely successful on the global stage, but it did pave the way a certain Honda Civic, which arrived in 1973. In the 1970s, the kei car industry was coming under increasing pressure, with the Japanese government abolishing some of the benefits associated with kei car ownership.

• At the same time, the car industry as a whole was facing tougher control on emissions, which had a big effect on kei cars. The sector declined, with Honda and Mazda ceasing kei car production, while continuing to build kei trucks.

• From the start of 1976, the kei car began to fight back. The Japanese government introduced a new 550cc limit, while agreeing that cars could be longer and wider.

Keep visiting for Part - 2........

Next-gen BMW 5-series to be unveiled at Paris motor show 2016

• BMW is set to unveil the next-generation of its luxury sedan, the BMW 5-series, at the Paris motor show 2016. The new car will get a more streamlined styling as compared to the current car, and will share technology with the new 7-series that made its debut internationally earlier this year.

• The new 5-series will get a more prominent kidney grille with dynamic louvers that open and close as per cooling requirement, optional laser headlamps, more pronounced shoulders, LED tail-lamps and a sleeker profile with a more heavily raked rear windshield. The new 5-series will also be based on the new platform, codenamed OKL, that was introduced on the new 7-series. The car will also be around 100kg lighter due to the use of carbon fibre, magnesium, aluminium and high-tensile steel.

• On the inside, the dashboard is expected to be designed like the one on the new 7-series with the same basic architecture multi-function steering wheel, switchgear and material materials. The dashboard will also feature an all-digital instrument cluster and a free-standing infotainment display.

• Powering the car will be a family of 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel and petrol engines in varying states of tune: the 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines including a quad-turbo diesel in the M550d, the 444bhp 4.4-litre V8 from the new 7-series, plug-in hybrid powertrains from the new 7-series and X5 and the range-topping 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 for the M5. The car will come with the choice of a six-speed manual or a nine-speed automatic gearbox on the standard models, while the M5 will continue with the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic from the current model.

• In terms of technology,  the new 5-series will get the latest iDrive system with a new touchpad and touchscreen, gesture control with sensors to monitor five different hand movements, voice recognition and functions such as swipe and pinch to zoom. The car will also come with autonomous driving tech such as autonomous emergency braking, hands-off operation and anti-collision systems.

• The new 5-series will be available in three body styles – sedan, Touring and GT . The sedan is the one that will make its debut at the Paris motor show. There is no confirmation as yet as to the launch dates of the other two models, though they are expected sometime in 2017.

 

Ferrari Mumbai showroom to open December 1

• Ferrari made its comeback into India recently with the launch of an entire model range. The Italian supercar maker had announced that it will be operating initially out of two dealerships located in Delhi (Select cars) and Mumbai (Navnit Motors). These outlets will extend after-sales services to existing Ferrari owners.

• The Mumbai outlet is expected to open on December 1, 2015 and will be located at Bandra Kurla Complex. The location wasn't disclosed until now and we were the first to get our hands on this information. This 3,000 sq. feet showroom will most likely occupy the space that previously housed the Land Rover showroom, which is now located in Andheri.

• Ferrari’s Mumbai distributor, Navnit motors, has signed a lease contract with Wadhwa Group, who are the owners of this said location.

• The prices for the Ferrari models available in India are mentioned below. These are base asking rates; the final amount is likely to vary depending on accessories and options chosen.

Ferrari California T: Rs 3.45 crore

Ferrari 488 GTB: Rs 3.99 crore

Ferrari 458 Spider: Rs 4.22 crore

Ferrari 458 Speciale: Rs 4.40 crore
Ferrari F12 Berlinetta: Rs 4.87 crore
(All prices, ex-showroom)

New Audi Q7 India launch on December 10, 2015

• The new Audi Q7 will hit Indian showrooms on December 10, 2015.

• The new Q7 is 300kg lighter than its predecessor and is marginally smaller, but with more prominent creases, a new single-piece grille, angular headlamps, rectangular LED tail-lamps and new bumpers at the front and back. Inside, the company has gone with a minimalist theme with a dashboard free from clutter, a free-standing infotainment display and an all-new centre console with a new gear lever and multi-media controller.

• The new Q7s will draw power from a 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel engine developing 268bhp and 61kgm of torque mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox with paddle shifters and the Quattro all-wheel-drive technology badged 'Q7 45TDI'.

• Expected to be available only in one fully loaded trim at the time of launch, the new SUV will get features such as Audi’s new infotainment system, full leather seats with electric adjustment, four-zone climate control, a 19-speaker Bose audio system, panoramic sunroof, an electric folding third row, a 360-degree camera, Park Assist, Matrix LED headlamps, touch pad with handwriting recognition, Audi’s ‘Virtual Cockpit’ all-digital instrument cluster and Drive Select, and air suspension.

• Audi's new Q7 will initially be a CBU import with local assembly of the SUV expected to start at the company’s Aurangabad facility sometime in 2016.

 

BMW i3 ‘Shadow Sport’ unveiled at LA motor show

• BMW revealed its for-USA-only limited-edition BMW i3 ‘Shadow Sport’ Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) at the LA motor show. The i3 is the only model from BMW's stable to be showcased at this year's show. The carmaker is to produce only 50 examples of this model.

• The limited-edition hatchback comes in an exclusive Fluid Black paint scheme with electric blue accents on its nose, grille and side body panels, and sports 19-inch turbine-style wheels. The Shadow Sport gets the addition of a sunroof, and a sportier suspension set-up.

• The 168nhp electric powertrain from the standard i3 is carried forward which means that this special edition i3 can cover between 130 and 160 kilometres on pure electric power and hit a top speed of nearly 150kph. The Shadow Sport edition won’t be available on the i3 Range Extender(RE), which makes use of a two-cylinder petrol motor to generate electricity on the move.

• More recently, BMW also announced the introduction of its ‘Optimised Driveline’ range of high-power density batteries for the i3. The new batteries on the hatchback will allow it to travel nearly 210km in real-world conditions on full charge; a good 50km up on the present i3’s range. Besides the new battery, the i3 will also get upgraded softwares for its electric motor and battery cooling system. The revised battery packs and software updates will be available for the all-electric i3 as well as its Range Extender variant. That aside, the new battery pack will also be on offer as a retro-fit for existing i3s.

New 2016 Mercedes-Benz SL revealed at LA Auto Show

• Mercedes-Benz has given its iconic SL roadster a big refresh for the 2016 model year. Debuting at the LA Motor Show this week, the new range has been enhanced outside, within and underneath to make it crisper, posher and more dynamic.

•  The 2016 SL has a sharper Mercedes AMG GT-style front end, with a standout diamond radiator grille, enhanced LED lighting and enlarged air intakes. 

• The folding hard-top vario roof of the 2016 Mercedes-Benz SL has been reengineered: it can now be operated on the move at speeds of up to 25mph.  

• Mercedes-Benz may have made the headlights slimmer, but it’s made the side air outlets bigger. Pity they’re still purely cosmetic. As we’ll see, Mercedes-Benz has also revised the sporty AMG 63 and AMG 65 models” the sit at the top of a four-engine range also comprising 367hp SL 400 and 455hp SL 500 – now with nine-speed automatic gearbox as standard. All versions, it says, are sharper and more agile to drive.

• Inside, Mercedes-Benz has sweated on the details. It offers three-colour ambient lighting (red, white or blue), revised dials and, in a neat tough, a central TFT display screen that flashes up a front view of the new SL on start-up.

•  Check out the powerdomes on the bonnet: they’re new for 2016 and feature on all revised Mercedes-Benz SL models. They’re there to evoke the sporting heritage of the SL, says Mercedes. Rear lights of the revised SL are now all-red, with wedge-shape indicator at the top and both tail and brake lamps below.

• Mercedes-Benz reckons the new 2016 SL is smoother and more appealing both roof down And roof up. It also offers two new colours – this brilliant blue (a colour that’s becoming a Mercedes-Benz feature hue) and design selenite grey magno. There’s a broad range of new alloy wheel designs as well.  

• A new feature for 2016 is optional Active Body Control with curve tilting function. This ‘leans’ the SL into corners, reducing the cornering effects on occupants. It means the driver can take bends much faster without the passenger noticing! 

• The two supercars of the SL range, the SL 63 and SL 65, have also been revised for 2016 – now wearing Mercedes-AMG branding. The Mercedes-AMG SL63 AMG is the more focused of the two.  

• Packing an enhanced 585hp 5.5-litre twin-turbo V8, the SL 63 can do 0-62mph in 4.1 seconds and is limited to either 155mph or, if you choose the AMG Driver’s package, 186mph.

• Interior treats include a flat-bottom steering wheel, IWC analogue clock and standard nappa leather.  

•  As well as fitting a rear-axle differential lock as standard, Mercedes-AMG has also enhanced the AMG Speedshift MCT 7-speed automatic – even the aluminium shift paddles behind the steering wheel work more quickly. 

• As with the regular 2016 SL, the Mercedes-AMG SL 63 has a totally new front end with AMG-specific twin-bar radiator grille, air intake-packed front bumper and complex front splitter.  

• But if it’s power you want, the only choice is the new Mercedes-AMG SL 65. Why? A 6.0-litre biturbo V12 producing a monster 630hp, that’s why! 

• The new SL 65 can run from 0-62mph in 4.0 seconds and, again, is either limited to 155mph or 186mph. It’s the monster pulling power that really sets the SL 65 apart though: it has an astonishing 1,000Nm of torque spread between a huge 2,000rpm rev range. It’s a force field, not a car.

• Uniquely, the SL 65 has 20-inch wheels at the rear, wearing 285/30-section tyres. It retains the 19-inch wheels of the SL 63 at the front; clearly, transmitting all that pulling power demands plenty of rubber on the road… 

• The bespoke Mercedes-AMG interior stretches to unique performance dials in the central infotainment screen. And if it’s carbon fibre you want, the AMG is the car for you: do note, though, a lot of it pictured here is optional…

Mahindra XUV500 AT launched in India at Rs 15.53 lakh

• The Mahindra XUV500 AT has been launched in India at Rs 15.53 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).

•  The AT option is available on the W8 FWD variant as well on both the FWD and AWD variants of the W10 model. The W10 FWD AT has been priced at Rs 16.36 lakh while the W10 AWD AT has been priced at Rs 17.36 lakh. The automatic variants will be available in showrooms from December 5 onwards. 

 

• The automatic gearbox is a six-speed unit developed by Isin AW and is the same unit found in the SsangYong Tivoli. It is one of the first high technology products to come out in association with SsangYong. 

• It has been mated to the 2.2-litre mHAWK four-cylinder diesel engine that produces 140bhp/330Nm of torque. The W8 FWD variant has an ARAI specified fuel efficiency of 13.85kmpl. There are no cosmetic changes to the car apart from the automatic badging at the rear. 

• Its closest rival the Hyundai Creta SX diesel AT has been priced at Rs 13.80 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) which is a difference of Rs 1.73 lakh. While this may seem like a significant amount, it should be noted that the XUV500 is a significantly larger vehicle and has two additional seats.

Prices for the Mahindra XUV500 AT range (ex-showroom Delhi)

• Mahindra XUV500 W8 FWD AT- Rs 15.53 lakh
• Mahindra XUV500 W10 FWD AT- Rs 16.36 lakh
• Mahindra XUV500 W10 AWD AT- Rs 17.36 lakh

 

Range Rover Evoque facelift launched at Rs 47.10 lakh

• JLR has launched the facelifted Range Rover Evoque at Rs 47.10 lakh (ex-showroom, Mumbai, pre-octroi). The updates on the SUV include revised exterior styling, as well as additions to the interior and equipment list.
• The Evoque is available in four variants – Pure, SE, HSE and HSE Dynamic and comes with a three-year/1 lakh km warranty, whichever comes first. 
• In terms of styling, the facelifted Evoque's front fascia gets a new bumper, a new grille on the top-spec HSE Dynamic, and new Xenon headlamps with daytime running lights. The rear features restyled LED tail-lamps and the SUV gets a new alloy wheel design. Inside, the seats are new, and the cabin gets JLR’s latest 8.0-inch InControl Touch infotainment system.
• The Evoque facelift comes equipped with a long list of features such as a hands-free tail-gate function which allows the owners to open the tailgate by waving their foot under the rear bumper, a heads-up display, surround camera system, panoramic sunroof, mood lighting, a 17-speaker 825W Meridian sound system, rear-seat entertainment display and a tyre pressure monitoring system. Land Rover’s Terrain Response System is standard across all variants. 
• Additional features apart, the updated Evoque is powered by the same 2.2-litre diesel engine developing 187bhp mated to a nine-speed automatic gearbox as the pre-facelifted model. 

Range Rover Evoque facelift prices (ex-showroom, Mumbai, pre-octroi)

Range Rover Evoque Pure - Rs 47.10 lakh

Range Rover Evoque SE - Rs 52.90 lakh

Range Rover Evoque HSE - Rs 57.70 lakh

Range Rover Evoque HSE Dynamic - Rs 63.20 lakh

 

Honda CB Shine SP launched at Rs 59,990

• Honda has launched the new CB Shine SP in its 125cc motorcycle segment. The CB Shine SP is positioned above the CB Shine and is available in three variants – Self-Drum-Alloy, Self-Disc-Alloy and CBS, priced at Rs 59,990, Rs 62,400 and Rs 64,400 respectively (all prices ex-showroom, Delhi). This is the company’s 15th launch this year.

• Powering the motorcycle is the tried and tested 124.7cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine from its sibling, the CB Shine. The motor develops 10.57bhp and 1.1kgm of torque and is mated to a five-speed gearbox; on the CB Shine it's paired to a four-speed unit.
• The model also gets Honda’s Combi-Braking System (CBS), which the manufacturer claims makes the motorcycle safer for the rider.
• Suspension duty is handled by a standard telescopic fork up front and twin spring-loaded hydraulic shock absorbers at the back. The bike comes equipped with a choice of drum brakes front and back or discs up front and drums at the back.
• Speaking at the launch, Keita Muramatsu, president and CEO, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd said, “While India is the world’s fastest growing economy, it is also home to one of world’s youngest populations. These youngsters recognise their ‘special’ place in society. The new CB Shine SP helps them reflect the same ‘special status’ and puts them a gear ahead of their peers. CB Shine SP is an extension of the ‘new era of motorcycling’ we had ushered in at the Honda RevFest 2015. The model was showcased as a mystery model in August 2015.”
• The model is offered in five paint shades – Geny Grey Metallic, Athletic Blue Metallic, Pearl Amazing White, Black and Rebel Red Metallic.

New Volkswagen Beetle First Review, India Launch

• After recent reports that German automotive giant Volkswagen has imported the latest version of the iconic Beetle into India, the company has confirmed that they will be launching this new hatchback soon. The official date of launch has not yet been revealed.
• Volkswagen will use the Beetle to take on stalwarts such as the Mini Cooper, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, the Abarth 595 Competizione and the BMW 1 Series. While the details are not yet concrete, we expect the new VW Beetle to be powered by a 1.4 litre, 4 cylinder, turbocharged TSI petrol engine that delivers 158 bhp. This is the same engine that powers the Volkswagen Jetta.

• The Bug has always been a clash of the modern and old fashioned worlds and the new one is no different. Although it is a new vehicle, its retro design elements (which is what has always made the Beetle a cool car) such as the oval headlight clusters and the alloy wheels which are a throwback to bygone eras are clearly seen.
• The interior of the new Beetle has been reworked to make it more intuitive. Also, passengers get the option of a top notch infotainment system, a GPS navigation module, climate control and all the sort of features expected in the automobiles of today. The company has also gone to lengths to make sure that build quality is rock solid.

• One aspect that VW will have to get spot on is the pricing. The Beetle was on sale in India in the recent past but although it was an extremely capable car, it did not perform too well due to the high asking price. It must also be noted that the new VW Beetle will be sold in India via the CBU (Completely Built Up) route. Expect prices to hover around the INR 30 lakhs mark.

Range Rover Evoque Convertible is Here......

• JLR has unveiled the new Range Rover Evoque Convertible prior to its international debut at the Los Angeles motor show 2015. Land Rover had teased its upcoming convertible SUV with images of the prototype being tested on the company’s proving grounds and by installing full-scale wire replicas on the streets in London.

• The Evoque Convertible was confirmed to be under development by the company during the Geneva motor show when JLR released images of the SUV testing in an under-construction metro tunnel. The SUV, weighing about 270kg more than its standard hard-top siblings, is capable of raising and powering its roof in around 20 seconds at speeds of up to 48kph.

• The SUV additionally comes equipped with a pop-up roll-bar system that deploys if there is a danger of a rollover.

• The interior is on par with the standard facelifted Evoque. According to Evoque program director Danella Bagnall, the Evoque Convertible, unlike other convertibles, offered “generous” space in the rear, capable of seating adults in comfort.

• The Evoque convertible gets a reinforced monocoque chassis along with reinforced door panels to make up for the lack of a roof. Powering the new Evoque Convertible is the 2.0-litre 178bhp Ingenium diesel engine and 2.0-litre 234bhp turbo-petrol motor. The convertible SUV will only be available as a four-wheel-drive model.

• The Evoque Convertible will go on sale internationally in 2016 and will be available in the top-level Dynamic and Dynamic HSE trims only.