ス ク ー プ

BESTSCOOP6 CONFIDENCE IN MOTION

We were curious about Subaru’s mystery coupe, and now we know that it is the new Impreza.

10 2011 PERFECT CALENDAR!37 new Japanese cars to premiere this year!

26 GTR’S NEXT MOVEOrders for Spec V will cease from next July, then what? To find out more, Best Car, Japan, spoke to Kazutoshi Mizuno, GT-R product specialist and chief engineer.

29 A NICHE FOR NISSANNissan’s secret super sedan strategy revealed!

デ ビ ュ ー

BESTDEBUTANT34 HYBRID INSIGHT: MORE

INTELLIGENCE, MORE SPACEOn 6 January, Kah Motor unveiled the all-new Honda Insight, the latest hybrid model in Singapore which aims to herald a new era of efficient daily transportation.

38 TOYOTA’S STATEMENT OF LEADERSHIPWith the launch of the new Crown, Borneo Motors offers a heightened degree of luxury through its meticulous selection of quality finishes.

イ ベ ン ト

BESTEVENTS40 JAPANESE CARS MAKE WAVES

AT THE 2011 LA MOTOR SHOW!

レ ポ ー ト

BESTREPORT-O!44 FIT INDEED

Over 10,000 units of Honda’s Hybrid ingenuity in back order, prior to its official launch!

50 BEST CAR’S EXPERTS ON THE FREED SPIKE (EVENTUALLY)

52 A WORLD OF 3.0 SECONDS FLATSo… what exactly can one dowithin three seconds?

If you have a story to tell, or would like to contribute to Best Car, drop us an email at bestcar@comm.com.sg.

We Are Looking...

4034

50

29

Impreza Concept marks the beginning of Subaru’s new vision.

26

CONTENTSTABL

E OF

6

目 次

ガ ジ ェ ッ ト ： ラ イ フ ス タ イ ル

BESTWHIZBANGS: LIFESTYLE96 SHRINKING PCS,

THE TABLET WAYThe advent of the Tablet age is upon us…

100 THE SWEETEST THINGAs 14 February approaches, indulge your sweet tooth with these romantic selections.

101 THE LANGUAGE OF MAGICThese highly-energized rendering of evocative melodies would have you audiophiles out there basking in glorious tuneage.

フ ァ ッ シ ョ ン

BESTRUNWAY102 FREEWHEELING

Kenneth Lim and Leon Koh take centrestage without the microphones.

108 BACK TO BASICSBest Car talks Japn’erican fashion with NAKAME STYLE’s resident stylist, Taoki Mishima.

グ ル メ

BESTGOURMET110 YEAR OF THE ALTERNATIVE

RABBITStuffing faces and watching fortune-telling on television is cliché…

ギ フ ト

BESTGIFTS112 FREEBIES R US

You Like, we give, you take.We Are Looking...

対 決

BESTSHOWDOWN55 IS THE FIT HYBRID

THREATENED BY PRIUSA genuine showdown between bona fide hybrids.

56 THE UNHEARD OF SHOWDOWNIt is unusual for these cars to be ranked alongside each other, or for that matter, be ranked at all.

58 VANITY FACE OFFNissan Serena and Honda Step Wagon might look similar, but there’s more that meets the eye.

59 TIGHT FIGHTThe new launched Nissan March takes on the newly launched Toyota Ractis in a battle that will leave best car’s experts scratching their heads.

60 IS BENZ STILL THE KINGBest Car special: Japanese cars Vs Mercedes Benz.

特 集

BESTFEATURE68 IMIEV LOOKS SET TO HOLD ITS

OWN AGAINST NISSAN LEAF!The electric automobile scene is abuzz with talk about Nissan’s LEAF—but have we all but forgotten about its predecessor, the i-MiEV?

70 THE HISTORY OF JAPANESE LIGHTWEIGHT SPORTS CARS: VOL. 3

90 81

84

フ ァ ン

BESTFANS81 ERROL “PETROL HEAD” LIM

On his obsessions and the Impreza STI Spec C.

キ ー パ ー ソ ン

BESTA-LIST84 SUPER CARLIFE VOL. 1

Koji “Prince” Aoyama sizes up the Toyota 2000GT.

87 FUN CAR LABORATORY VOL.3Performance is no longer the sole consideration when deciding to buy a car, argues Terry Itoh.

90 “IT’S NOT ROCKET SCIENCE”Best Car takes a peek under the hood of hybrid technology with Hybrid Motors’ Sales Manager, Geraldine Lim, and After-Sales Manager, Robert White.

ガ ジ ェ ッ ト ： 車

BESTWHIZBANGS: CARS94 WHERE ARE YOU GOING?

Forget bread crumbs. They don’t work. We tried.

96

2BEST SCOOP

PERFECT2011SCHEDULE!

37 NEW JAPANESE CARS TO PREMIERE THIS YEAR!

CARS TO BE LAUNCHEDIN 2011

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug

LEXUS CT200H SUZUKI MR WAGON NISSAN MOCO

TOYOTA PRIUS α (ALPHA)

HONDA FIT WAGONMAZDA DEMIO (MC)

TOYOTA CAMRY HYBRID

TOYOTA AURISMAZDA CX-5

TOYOTA NEW COMPACTTOYOTA COROLLA AXIO/FIELDER HYBRID

HONDA INSIGHT 1.5 PREMIUM

TOYOTA ALPHARD/VELLFIRE HYBRID LEXUS GS MARCH SC

LEXUS IS SUZUKI SWIFT SPORT NISSAN MARCH SEDAN

TOYOTA COMPACT HYBRID NISSAN TIIDA LATIO HONDA FREED SPIKE HYBRID HONDA SPIKE HYBRID HONDA CR-V TOYOTA RAV4 HYBRID

NISSAN SERENA HYBRID DAIHATSU MIRATOYOTA PRIUS PLUG-IN HYBRID

TOYOTA/SUBARU FT-86 NISSAN SYLPHY SUBARU IMPREZA DAIHATSU E:S

OctNovDec Sep

10 BEST CAR ISSUE 03

スクープ

That is right, 37 models will enter the market in 2011. While 2010 was dubbed, “The year without new cars”,

full model changes had been made for Passo, Premacy, March, Lactis, Elgrand, Swift, Serena, Landy, Move, Wish, Solio and 10 others, whereas for debutants we had the CR-Z, CRVR, i-MiEV, Juke, Impreza 4-door STI, Fuga Hybrid, Fit Hybrid, FJ Cruiser , X-Trail Diesel AT, Leaf, and LFA; all 12 of them! And let’s

not forget the GT-R, Forester and other biggies.

It is not difficult to guess what is expected of 2011. The figure, 37, was given last year, and that was far more than the previous years. But for all we know, the automakers—you know how they are—could easily mean 37 new cars by March, 2012! Naturally, we should expect such big names as Civic and Skyline, But instead of these, we see the dominance of hybrid or compact cars.

Take Honda. It has three hybrids,

with another three light cars in the pipe-line. Even Toyota has CT200h in January, to be followed two months later by Prius α (Alpha). And following the arrival of the Estima Hybrid, Lexus may premiere GS full model changes in hybrid models.

2011 appears to be the year of fuel saving, with the launch of FT-86 in Tokyo Motor Show, and the appearance of various new models. But enough of that, here we go-

TO BE LAUNCHED:

Lexus CT200h Suzuki MR Wagon Nissan Moco

JAN2 0 1 1

The retail version of CT200h will be near identical to the concept model that first appeared at the Geneva Show in March 2010, fuel consumption is key.

With a lower height that projects sporty image—the 5-door hatchback with a body size comparqable to Golf competes directly with BMW 1-Series and Audi A3.

The base model retails from ¥3.5 million*. F-Sport retails from ¥4 million*, whereas the top grade will retail from ¥4.3 million*. As an entry-level Lexus, the pricing is slightly steep, but since November, sales has been brisk, contributing to roughly one-half of all Lexus sales.

As expected, the superior fuel consumption is a big draw, not to mention the sporty image and paddle shift—a first for Lexus—complete with mode-switch for sport-mode travel.

The engine and power train make use of Prius’ 1.8-litre and its hybrid system, but controls are unique to CT200h. As for fuel consumption, it lags by 2.5km/l compared to Prius’ main grade S or G’s 35.5km/l, but this is due to the use of larger tires, which is unavoidable.

This powerhouse is similar to IS-F, but the bonnet bulges to accommodate a larger engine, the top of bonnet bulges; the tires are larger and wider for an aggressive styling. Speculated price: ¥5 million*.

2.4-litre Hybrid Sport CT-F will be added to the Lexus stable in one or two years.

EXPECTED SPECIFICATIONS** SIZE: 4450x1765x1460mm ENGINE: 1.8-litre, inline-4 engine BODY: 5-door hatchback AGENDA: to compete with BMW 1-Series and Audi A3.* Prices are only indicative of the Japanese automotive market.

For local pricing, please contact the relevant dealerships.

The latest news about this CT200h is that following IS, “F” will be made available.

Targeted to launch one year from now, development is underway. The engine: 2.4-litre 2AE-FXE used in HS250h. Compared to a 1.8-litre 1AZ-FXE, it delivers 150hp, and the engine is augmented by 52hp, to 143hp—a significant increase in performance.

Instilling such power in a relatively

small body will definitely boost its performance to sports grade, follow-ing CT-F and IS-F. We expect a V6, 3.5-litre, similar to Blade-Master in performance to figure, and fuel con-sumption to weigh in at 25.0km/l.

(Lastly, we expect the germina-tion of a Hybrid GT sport model, and development of this CT-F to take up to two years.)

** Specifications of available models may vary. For more information, please contact the relevant dealerships.

LEXUS IS SUZUKI SWIFT SPORT NISSAN MARCH SEDAN

3BEST SCOOP

Two and a half months ago on 18 October, GT-R had a huge minor revamp,

0~100m start acceleration which was originally 3.6 sec-

onds shed 0.6 second to reach 3.0 seconds and become the first or second in the world, trying to be the top runner. At the same time, a new setting for Egoist, the new grade with super luxurious specification that broke the record price of ¥15 million*. Besides that, Circuit Special Club Track Edition is added to GT-R product series, in response to the wishes of many GT-R fans.

Amid these announcements, reliable sources revealed that GT-R development site will soon move to a new location

which is being built. In the past we had to beat around the bush to obtain information, but last month GT-R R&D Manager Mr. K. Mizuno called our office, and offered us the opportunity to ask directly whatever we want to know.

If you asked this kind of confidential infor-mation, you would never get a reply for sure, and may be impolite too to ask. So making use of the opportunity we called him directly and asked.

Best Car: Since the new model has just been

announced, may be it is too soon to pose this question, but what will be the next step GT-R has in mind?

Mizuno: If you asked me like that, may be it is a bit difficult to answer [of course], but let me put it this way. We call GT-R users up and listen to what they have to say about further changes and their wishes. And

Best Car’s Big

Bold Questions

For GT-R Honcho!

Spec V’s replacement will be lighter!

MOVEGTR’SGTR’S

NEXTNEXTMOVEOrders for Spec V will cease from next July, then what? To find out more, Best Car, Japan, spoke to Kazutoshi Mizuno, GT-R product specialist and chief engineer.

26 BEST CAR ISSUE 03

News of the R35GT-R first surfaced in 2001 at the Tokyo Motor Show, where it surprised many.

At the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show, a GT-R prototype was unveiled, and the designs for the retail model was refined.

Two years later, it was launched by none other than Renault/Nissan President Carlos Ghosn. At 480hp, it is the most powerful car in Japan.

スクープ

05 0107

I reply directly, and by doing so we visualize the future of GT-R.

Best Car: Thank you for your sugges-tion, can you tell us what will happen next to GT-R? A hint will do. This is what the readers and GT-R fans are most concerned about.

Mizuno: Last October during minor revamp an-nouncement—[which Best Car was not invited to!]—I mentioned briefly that production for Speci-fication V will stop in July 2011. Maybe you want to know more about that?

We heard that a lighter GT-R is on the drawing board. Considering the changes made by Porsche, I think this will definitely happen within 5 years. What do you think?

GT-R is GT-R, we are different from Porsche in what we are aiming for. Instead, you should come and have a look at the development site. Up to now, only a few of Nissan staff have visited. It shows the place where GT-R was borne, how deci-sions are made –from development to sales—and for the media, a “penetrating” coverage can be created…

Faster! A little bit cheaper… Best Car prefers a lightweight version!

GT-R HAS ALREADY EMBARKED ON THE NEXT LEVEL

A deal has been struck! Stay tuned to Best Car for our coverage of the future of GT-R!

The carbon material required for lighter weight is expensive. Some parts of the new GT-R will use it, but overall, a simpler weight lightening measure will be taken.

* Prices are only indicative of the Japanese automotive market.For local pricing, please contact the relevant dealerships.

BEST REPORT–O!レ ポ ー ト

FIT INDEEDOver 10,000 units of Honda’s Hybrid ingenuity in back order, prior to its official launch!

Enter the Hybrid model that can potentially stop the Prius from building up a further lead. Honda’s Hybrid knowhow has finally been introduced to its best-selling compact range, the Fit. The Fit Hybrid’s exteriors have undergone a minor exterior change with its exclusive front grille, which features a clear-blue coating and metallic garnishing. A tuning of the IMA has also enabled Fit to achieve a higher performance in hybrid driving.

A cut above the rest, a chrome grill distinguishes the new Fit (Jazz).

The Honda Fit (Jazz) Hybrid was unveiled at its official launch on 8 October, 2010.

The Fit Hybrid has arrived

with a price range from

¥1.6~2.1 million*.

Well-poised, this car is differentiated by its LED rear combination lamp.

44 BEST CAR ISSUE 03

The Hybrid Smart Selection costs ¥1.7 million*.

The Hybrid Navi Premium Selection costs ¥2.1 million*.

In addition to its basic Hybrid offering, the Smart Selection includes an in-car package: HID lamp, Smart key system, Half-shade front window, Switch panel coloured in champagne metallic colour, and silver-coloured inner door handles.

In addition to its Smart Selection, the Navi Premium comes with HDD Inter-navigation system, ETC, VSA, Security Alarm, Seat heaters for both the driver and passenger seats, Leather trimmed steering wheel, Paddle shifter, Luggage room lamp, Comfort view package, Upper glove box with automatically controlled air conditioning, and 15-inch aluminium wheels.

Its main equipments comprise of a Full Automatic Air Conditioner, Cruise Control, Telescopic Steering Wheel, LED rear combination lamp, Center Console Box, Eco Assist, as well as a LED Door Mirror Indicator.

The basic Fit Hybrid costs ¥1.6 million*.

To knock Prius off

the top!

Highlights of the new Fit Hybrid.• The Hybrid costs ¥1.6 million*• The car employs a more advanced IMA than Insight. Moreover, the petrol version has also been upgraded• Sports model RS has been significantly improved• The 1.3-litre basic grade has also been refined

Amongst the cars manu-factured by Honda, Fit was the fastest in achiev-ing accumulated sales

of 1.5 million units in Japan; it has since sold over 3.5 million units worldwide. And after a lengthy wait, the Fit Hybrid has finally been added to Honda’s fleet. Until now, it was believed that only hybrid-dedicated models such as the Prius and Insight could achieve good sales. It is shrewd indeed to “hybridise” a popular car as the price is usually lower as a result of increased produc-tion. There is not a big variance between the basic Fit and its hybrid upgrade. The only difference lies in its front and rear grilles, that feature a metallic opalescent blue-coating and metallic garnishes; complete with a blue rear combination lamp, and Honda's emblem.

This car consists of a 1.3-litre i-VTEC engine and IMA system, similar to Insight. However, unlike Insight, the Fit’s motor is tuned to reduce start-up timing and that significantly improves its ac-celeration. This is also helped by the fact that the Fit weighs in at 1,130kg—60kg lighter than Insight. In addition, the car has improved the speed range; when utilising the ECON mode, its idling-stop function can be used more easily. These would enable a better fuel consumption than Insight!

* Prices are only indicative of the Japanese automotive market. For local pricing, please contact the relevant dealerships.

The Mission:

FEBRUARY 2011 45

Best Car Special:

BEST SHOWDOWN

対 決

THE

IS

KING!?BENZSTILL

Japanese Cars vs Mercedes Benz

Best Car’s Benz faction Anti-Benz faction

Confrontation

60 BEST CAR ISSUE 03

Downsizing of CL550 represents one of Benz’s future strategies.

The S-Class Hybrid will have A V6, 3.5-litre engine.

C63 AMG installed with newly developed 5.5-litre engine. Despite smaller displacement, It delivers greater power.

TEXT • MAKITERU ISHIKAWA

We questioned the President of Daimler AG, Dr Dieter Zetsche, directly on the fu-

ture of Benz in France, during a 20-minute test-drive of “CL” specially arranged for six Japanese journalists last September.

For such a busy man, we he answered us in an unusually polite manner. (Maybe it is because of Benz’s emphasis on the Japanese market.)

It was clear from his response that Mercedes Benz would focus on downsizing their engines. He also added, “The exis-tence of V8 was actually ignored until one

year, but it was revived as the high-class cars required it. Nevertheless, the main one is V6, and hybrid will also be combined with V6.”

Mercedes Benz will also focus on the compact class. In fact, it is collaborating with Renault/Nissan precisely because of these companies’ excellent technological capabilities in the category.

“Below C-Class, FF cars will fit in nicely, but we cannot afford to spend a huge sum for its development,” said Zetsche. “That’s why Renault/Nissan are in the picture. The actual product will be disclosed in Sep-tember 2011, and it will be a car that locks horns with Audi 3A and BMW 1-Series… A, B-Class is destined for the North American market. The new factory for that will be built in Hungary.”

That is what Mercedes Benz is doing—downsize the engine for higher end cars, simultaneously develop the V8 for a wider range of products, and break into the com-pact car category and produce cars that will appeal to young drivers.

Benz’ strengths and future strategy

THE KING!?

The existence of V8 was actually ignored until one year, but it was revived as the high-class cars required it. Nevertheless, the main one is V6, and hybrid will also be combined with V6. ~ Dr Dieter Zetsche, President of Daimler AG

FEBRUARY 2011 61

BEST WHIZBANGS > L IFESTYLEガジェット：ライフスタイル

Creative Zii10” Tablet

S h r i n k i n g P C s ,

THE The advent of the Tablet age is upon us. What with the tablet craze in full storm, braving this tornado would need more than a gutsy predisposition. The latest internet tablets to hail from Asia sees these iPad alternatives, level the playing field with their dynamic versatility and extraordinary efficiency.

Running on Creative’s patented ZiiLABS ZMS-08 HD Processor, this made-in-Singapore Creative Zii unit comes with a 10-inch (1024x600) TFT Resistive screen and X-Fi Audio enhancements; aptly named X-Fi Crystalizer and X-Fi Expand. Packaged as the ultimate entertainment tablet, the ZiiO10” allows for simple HDMI-delivery onto a large-screen HDTV, as well as a single-touch onscreen icon to manage all Bluetooth-paired devices. Beam out in-style, now.

TABLETWAY

96 BEST CAR ISSUE 03

An easy pill to swallow, the first tablet from Korea’s giant mobile communication manufacturer sees Samsung demonstrate its prow-ess in the form of this multimedia rich tablet. With its astoundingly simple UI and interchangeable home screens; this Galaxy takes on the universe with a quick swipe of interactivity. Embedded with its speedy 1GHz Cortex A8 processor, full Adobe Flash 10.1 support, 3G/WiFi connectivity options—and the now famous Corning’s Gorilla glass, as seen on its elder but small-framed mobile sibling—the Galaxy S; sharp display on its 7-inch (1024x600) TFT LCD make even odd angles look good.

Touchy by Nature— Be prepared for total domination; the touch way. The Force is great with this one, young padawan.

Samsung Galaxy Tab

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