JAPAN’S NO.1 CAR MAGAZINE TURNS INTO SINGAPORE!
S$6.00 JUNE 2011
JAPAN VS THE WORLD!
BEST SCOOP
BEST SHOWDOWN
MITSUBISHI’S NEW LANCER EVOLUTION CONCEPT CARS TURNED RETAIL MODELS BEST EVENT
SEOUL MOTOR SHOW
スバルFT-86II
BEST WHIZBANGS
BEST A-LIST
BEST GOURMET
RAYS, JAPAN’S PREMIER WHEEL MANUFACTURER
KOJI “PRINCE” AOYAMA, TAKES PORSCHE 911 GT3 FOR A SPIN
帰りなさいませ、 PG108 Free Gifts! ご主人様！
SERIAL FEATURE:
MIMOTO’S AUTOMOTIVE SCRAPBOOK VOL. 1
(WELCOME BACK, MASTER!)
W W W. B E S T CA R . S G
新戦力
IF
you have ever heard an engine running without a muffler, then you would be able to distinguish a vast aural difference between it and its muffler-equipped counterpart. The key lies in the muffler box, a deceptively simple part as finely tuned as a musical instrument. Take a muffler box apart and you will find little tubes and holes within. These criss-crossing air passages are designed to reflect sound waves from a car’s engine such that they cancel each other out. Though this results in a quieter car, the restricted and conflicting airflow also takes
away a substantial amount of power— thus changing the rear muffler box is thus an easy way to obtain power and aural aggression. And no one knows more about the art of crafting exhausts than Remus. The veteran German brand has engineered a sports muffler specifically for Subaru Impreza 1.5R, made from aircraftquality 304 and 441 stainless steel. The muffler features low resistance and highflow characteristics that greatly increase horsepower and torque while producing a signature boxer burble. Even better, it is LTA-approved, and allows drivers to enjoy increased performance without worries. Thanks to the fine folks at BMS, we have a brand new Remus muffler (worth $1,280) to give away to one lucky reader!
“LIKE” BEST CAR SINGAPORE ON FACEBOOK BY 30 JUNE AND STAND A CHANCE TO WIN A REMUS MUFFLER WORTH $1,280! www.facebook.com/bestcar.sg
CONTENTS
TA B L E O F
目 次
26
6
ス ク ープ
BESTSCOOP 6
SCRUTINISING SUBARU
イベ ント
BESTEVENTS 22
Subaru’s new sports model is not the only trick it has up its sleeve. 12
16
SEOUL MOTOR SHOW (AND TELL)
BESTREPORT-O! 28
Mitsubishi plans to continue its high performance legacy with the next Lancer Evolution.
デ ビ ュ ー
PREVIEWING THE PIONEERS
26
BESTDEBUTANT DAIHATSU’S ECO:SMART START
With the impending arrival of the commercial e:S, Daihatsu proves that it is no longer the automotive under-dog!
48 We Are Looking... If you have a story to tell, or would like to contribute to Best Car, drop us an email at bestcar@comm.com.sg.
BEST CAR’S 2011~2014 PERFECT SCOOP!
Despite all adversity, Japanese automakers are keen to meet the challenge of developing excellent cars.
Korean cars are poised to scale the automotive heights and leave their Japanese counterparts behind.
MITSUBISHI’S THEORY OF EVOLUTION
Several Japanese concept cars rocked the Geneva Auto Show, and are soon arriving to a showroom near you!
レ ポ ー ト
48
HE SAYS, SHE SAYS
Japanese housewives are now more involved in their families’ automotive decisions.
12
82 BESTSHOWDOWN 52
PRIDE AND PERFORMANCE
BESTA-LIST 80
特 集
82
BESTFEATURE MIMOTO’S AUTOMOTIVE SCRAPBOOK VOL. 1: BACK TO BASICS
In the inaugural article of Best Car’s new series, Kazuhiko Mimoto offers Japanese automakers his advice on how to inject some “spirit” into their cars. 72
NOW AND THEN
Mimoto recounts the humble origins and the subsequent rise of some of the Japanese automotive industry’s greatest names.
FUN CAR LABORATORY VOL. 7
With Nissan busily launching one car after another, Terry Itoh investigates the appeal of its March and Juke.
In spite of the tsunami, Japanese automakers prove that they are just as strong as ever.
64
ガ ジ ェ ッ ト：ラ イ フ ス タ イ ル
キ ー パ ー ソ ン
対 決
SUPER CARLIFE VOL. 5
Proud Porsche-lover Koji “Prince” Aoyama takes Porsche 911 GT3 for a spin. 86
RED BULL SPEED STREET SINGAPORE
Remember the afternoon Orchard Road transformed into a race track? So do we. ガ ジ ェ ッ ト： 車
RAYS’ NEXT RACE
Japan’s premier wheel manufacturer intends to cater to Continental cars. 90
BESTWHIZBANGS: LIFESTYLE 92
93
フ ァッシ ョ ン
BESTRUNWAY 94
THE YOUNG ‘UNS!
Fresh faces and fresh places.
FOR HIM/HER
Painting the town black... and white. ラ イ フ ス タ イル
BESTLIFESTYLE 104
THE TRENDY ONES
Get your weekend lifestyle fix on 988online.net’s 潮男潮女 (“The Trendy Ones”), hosted by Bao Hong and Xueyi. グ ル メ
BESTGOURMET 106
106
HOT PLAYLIST
These lovely ladies prove that behind every sweet-looking girl is a rock star waiting to be unleashed.
A CLEANER FUTURE
AutoDiesel Turbo Fuel Systems Pte Ltd aids in the pursuit of a cleaner future, one diesel engine at a time.
HOT REELS
What do you do when life gets you down? Take a page from these heroes’ books and strike back!
102
BESTWHIZBANGS: CARS 88
94
お帰りなさいませ、 ご主人様！ To our delight, we learned that Okaerinasaimase, goshujinsama! means “Welcome back, master!” at Cawaii Koohii.
ギ フト
BESTGIFTS
88
108
FREEBIES R US
You Like, we give, you take.
1
BEST SCOOP
スバル 新 戦力
SCR UTINISING
SUBARU SUBARU WILL BE LAUNCHING ITS OWN VERSION OF THE HIGHLY ANTICIPATED FT86II, AND ITS NEW SPORTS MODEL IS NOT THE ONLY TRICK IT HAS UP ITS SLEEVE.
LAUNCHING IN DECEMBER, SUBARU’S FT-86II HAS AN NA 2ℓ FB20 ENGINE THAT GENERATES 200BHP— THE TURBOCHARGED VARIANT WILL GENERATE A WHOPPING 250BHP!
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BEST CAR ISSU E 07
スク ープ EJ20, Subaru’s sports engine, has been upgraded to a turbocharged horizontal 2ℓ 4-cylinder DOHC that generates 308bhp. Eventually, it will be replaced by the turbocharged FB20. Announced last October, Subaru’s next generation horizontal engine is currently equipped in Forester. As the automaker’s first long stroke engine, it prioritises combustion. This is a power upgrade for FT-86, whose NA 2ℓ engine generates 200bhp/21kgm.
SUBARU FT-86II At the Geneva Auto Show, Toyota and Subaru’s mysterious FT-86II FR Sports Coupe concept was one of the show-stealers. Toyota exhibited the body, which it has named “FT-86II”. While its design may yet be modified, it will definitely sport Subaru’s newly developed powertrain. Enthusiasts are particularly anticipating the action that will be occurring under the hood. Both automakers have agreed to jointly retail their own versions of the FR Sports Coupe. While Toyota will be prioritising the base model, Subaru will handle the development of upgraded variants. The question remains as to how each automaker will distinguish itself in the market. Both FT-86II models measure 4235mm x 1790mm x 1270mm, which is slightly smaller than the previous car. While both will share a cabin layout, the main difference lies in design, specifically in the front and rear detailing. For instance, Subaru’s FT-8II will have a sharper front bumper and headlights. It will also sport a streamlined rear bumper and tail lights. As the rear design of Toyota’s FT-86II is “formidable”, it will probably not be excessively modified. Both automakers have been tight-lipped about their cars’ cabins, but we predict that these will be similarly designed. If there are any striking differences, we expect them to be in terms of seat material and colour scheme. Both FT-86II models will share Subaru’s newly developed powertrain, called “BOXER Sports Car Architecture” at Geneva. It will consist of the new naturally-aspirated (NA) horizontally-opposed 4-cylinder FB20 engine that generates 200bhp/21kgm. Insiders disclose that a turbocharged variant is in the
JUNE 2011
7
2
BEST SCOOP
MITSUBISHI’S THEORY OF
ラ ン エ ボ 開 発 復 活 ！？
Mitsubishi may have halted its motorsports plans, but its high performance strategy is still very much alive— and it aims to start with the next Lancer Evolution.
PRESENTING THE NEXT GENERATION LANCER EVOLUTION Since 2010, Mitsubishi has ceased all its motorsports activities, from the development of racing cars to planning motorsports events. President Osamu Masuko explained that automakers have a responsibility to produce eco-friendly cars with low carbon emissions. Keeping that in mind and striving to meet the demands of global consumers, Mitsubishi will continue to develop its renowned Lancer Evolution as a high performance model. As such, the next generation will not just be a modification of the current model, but will adopt an entirely new approach with its automaker’s newly developed
technologies. The confusion started when Mitsubishi Motors UK announced that the development of Lancer Evolution would be suspended. Naturally, many fans were concerned. The automaker denied making such a statement, and clarified that while there would not be a new version of the current Evolution, a brand new high performance model would be released instead. This indicates that while Mitsubishi is currently focusing on its “green” technologies, it is still determined to continue its high performance legacy. Mitsubishi’s Research and Development
team continues to work on Lancer Evolution, despite any rumours of the contrary. Fuel efficiency is the top priority since it is a requirement of the current times. Proposals have also been made regarding performance improvements. The Design department is also hard at work with their own proposals. The new Lancer Evolution will likely share the powertrain of PX-MiEV, which debuted at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show. PX-MiEV is equipped with a series hybrid system, where the engine is mainly used to power the electric motor. The difference between this and a “pure” series hybrid is that in the latter,
Mitsubishi said that PX-MiEV’s hybrid system will be installed in the next Lancer Evolution.
Owing to carbon emission concerns, the turbocharged 2ℓ engine that Mitsubishi is currently developing may be used in its future cars. Excellent performance can be achieved by combining it with electric motors, just like Mercedes Benz has done.
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BEST CAR ISSU E 0 7
スク ープ OVERALL STRUCTURE OF MITSUBISHI’S PLUG-IN HYBRID SYSTEM Generator
Fuel tank
Engine
Front inverter
the engine can also be used to power the vehicle. In contrast, Lancer Evolution will probably have a parallel hybrid system, where the engine is mainly used for power generation. Its turbocharged 2.2ℓ direct injection diesel engine will greatly improve fuel consumption. Even if it is not as powerful as the 2ℓ gasoline 4B11 engine, the assistance of the electric motors will allow it to generate over 300bhp, outperforming the current model. Evolution’s 4WD powertrain includes Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC) and Active Yaw Control (AYC). Lancer Evolution’s fuel efficiency is expected to double, and it is likely that a plug-in hybrid will follow. Although President Masuko has yet to confirm this, it demonstrates Mitsubishi’s strong determination to develop a new high performance car. Since Mitsubishi has officially hinted at the next generation Lancer Evolution, its development is probably ongoing. Insiders say that the automaker will not be doing anything drastic for now. Still, the Development team has been asked to look into the possible conditions for the continued existence of Lancer Evolution, so it should be prepared to act when the go-signal is given. Surely it is already overwhelmed enough by the development of electric vehicles (EVs) and other environmental performance technologies!
Clutch
Rear inverter
Front Motor
Transmission
Transmission
Rear Motor MITSUBISHI LANCER EVOLUTION EXPECTED SPECIFICATIONS**
Since PX-MieV is a plug-in hybrid, the lithium-ion battery can also be used for charging. It is powered by the front and rear motors, while the 1.6ℓ engine charges the electric battery.
Overall length Overall width Overall height Wheel base
4450mm 1800mm 1450mm 2650mm
Engine
DI 1.6ℓ Gasoline/4cylinderDOHC 1600cc
Displacement Maximum power
Transmission
180bhp/6500rpm + Electric Motor 25.5kgm/3000rpm + Electric Motor CVT
Price*
¥3.5~4 million
Maximum torque
* Prices are only indicative of the Japanese automotive market. For local pricing, please contact the relevant dealerships. ** Specifications of available models may vary. For more information, please contact the relevant dealerships.
Mitsubishi’s design department supposedly proposed its external design independently. As was the case with Global Small, the trend seems to be going towards the direction of Galant Fortis and Outlander. Lancer Evolution will supposedly launch in 2014.
BEST REPORT – O! レ ポ ー ト
BEST CAR’S
2011~2014 PERFECT SCOOP! すべて出る ニュ ー カ ー
パ ーフ ェ クト
ス ク ープ
Japan’s economic recovery is partly dependent upon the strength of its automotive industry. Thankfully, Japanese automakers are keen to meet the challenge!
SPORTS CARS: An Uncertain View of the Future
The new 4WD Ferrari 458 Italia is equipped with the HELE system, which improves fuel consumption by 15 percent.
The trend at the Geneva Auto Show was “sports cars with reduced carbon emissions”. The European automakers’ sudden eco-friendly shift is a result of the European Union’s proposed carbon emission regulations, which will come into effect by 2015— these will heavily tax gas guzzling sports models. In response, Porsche launched 918 RSR, as well as Panamera S Hybrid. Ferrari also unveiled its 458 Italia, which uses the “High Emotion Low Emissions” (HELE) system to reduce emissions by 15 percent. Before the current global financial crisis
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BEST CAR ISSU E 0 7
At the Geneva Auto Show, Porsche released the specifications of its new 918 RSR V2. It shares 911 GT3’s electrical flywheel power generator, which enables 918’s motor to constantly rotate.
Unveiled at the 2007 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), Toyota’s FT-HS replaces its Supra.
began, Japanese automakers were developing more sports models. Lexus was researching its LFA Super Sports Car’s V10 engine, Honda was conceptualising NSX’s successor, and Nissan launched its latest GT-R. Since 2008, the automakers were expected to launch a variety of hybrid, V10, and super 4WD sports cars. But aside from the prolific LFA and GT-R, no other sports models were retailed. LFA was one of the forerunners of the hybrid boom. Though GT-R is still Japan’s pride and has been enhanced annually, more measures
Lexus LFA will retail this year. Speculation is rife that its second generation will be a hybrid, but this has yet to be confirmed.
must be taken for it to surpass European rivals like Porsche. One model to watch for is FR Sports Coupe, the result of a collaboration between Toyota and Subaru. It will have a newly developed 2ℓ long stroke 4-cylinder Boxer engine, but its fuel efficiency remains a point of concern. This could be solved by changing the engine to a naturally-aspirated (NA) type and installing features like Idling Stop. Honda seems ready to dominate with its supercharged CR-Z hybrid, which is currently under development. It will expand the auto-
N IS S AN GT-R
The lightweight GT-R only gets better and better, and fans are eagerly waiting for the model with improved fuel consumption to enter the international market. Perhaps Nissan will surprise us by using a power generator that is similar to Porsche’s.
Launching Late 2011 Expected Price: ¥8~15 million*
maker’s Type R portfolio and could usher in a new era for tuning. While the conventional equipment for high rotation sports models is an NA engine, a supercharger is more suited for a hybrid. This could also be applied to Insight or Accord. Turbochargers are also favoured as a means to improve both fuel economy and performance. Nissan excels at this not only with March Supercharger, but with Tiida and Tiida Latio, which are scheduled for major revamps this year—both will receive turbocharged variants. The automaker is also ahead in terms of turbocharged 1.5~2ℓ compacts—its Juke already has a turbocharged 1.6ℓ engine, and could be the forerunner for the sedan and 5-door revolution. With increasing improvements to supercharged technology, more fast and fuel-efficient sports
models are expected to be released. Just as Toyota’s G Sports and GRMNtuned models boast innovative features, Mazda’s SKYACTIV-G engine will improve its cars’ fuel efficiencies. Similarly tuned engines are anticipated on the Japanese side, and we eagerly await Subaru and Mitsubishi’s offerings. Nissan GT-R is still at the top of the highend sports car list—Nissan’s Chief Engineer, Kazutoshi Mizuno, even announced that a hybrid variant will be released in five years’ time. The speculated hybrid could resemble Porsche GT3, which has motor assist features like regenerative brakes and a power generator. Better yet, GT-R could incorporate more advanced technologies. On another note, Toyota’s hybrid sports car and Supra’s replacement, FT-HS, debuted
Nissan’s strategy is to release more supercharged sports models. Aside from March Supercharger, a turbocharged Tiida will also retail.
at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show. It will be developed for commercial release and set a trend in the sports car world. While the development of smaller sports models is going along smoothly, we cannot wait for the innovations in store for the higher-end options!
S UB AR U FT-86 STI
WITH TURBOCHARGER
Launching Late 2012 Expected Price: ¥3.5 million*
Honda’s new project is to supply its hybrid CR-Z with a supercharger. This signals a bright future for its sports cars. Subaru collaborated with Toyota to develop the original FT-86, which debuted at the Geneva Auto Show. Subaru was supposed to install an NA engine, but it decided on a turbocharger instead. * Prices are only indicative of the Japanese automotive market. For local pricing, please contact the relevant dealerships.
JUNE 2011
29
BEST FEATURE 特 集
NOW AND
Then 日本の名車歴史 と現在・・未来
Every automotive bestseller has a story to tell about its ascent to fame, and Kazuhiko Mimoto recounts the humble origins and the subsequent rise of some of the industry’s greatest names. TEXT • KAZUHIKO MIMOTO
Suzuki Cultus (1983~2002) and Swift (2000~onwards) catapulted the automaker to global automotive renown. In the World of Motorsports Swift Sport, 2nd Generation (2005 ~onwards)
Swift Sport, Current (2002 ~ 2004)
In 2007, P.G. Andersson drove Swift Sport to achieve his second victory at the Junior World Rally Championship (JWRC). It remains a popular choice among rally drivers today.
Swift Sport’s development is currently headed by Nobuhaku Tayama. In 2004, P.G. Andersson drove a 1.6ℓ Swift Sport to win his first JWRC title.
SUZUKI CULTUS AND SWIFT Retailed from 1965~1969, Suzuki Fronte 800 had the honour of being Japan’s first small FF car. It was initially equipped with a 2-stroke, 2-cylinder engine, which was later upgraded to a 4-stroke, 4-cylinder. Fronte 800 was more or less handmade, and its “cute” design could still turn heads today. Unfortunately, it could not compete with Nissan Sunny and Toyota Corolla, prompting its suspension after only 2717 units. After that, Suzuki hesitated from launching another light vehicle. What Suzuki learned from Fronte 800 was that it could not limit its light vehicle sales to the Japanese automotive market. Additionally, it had to cultivate a lucrative market for its exports. So in 1981, Suzuki signed an agreement with General Motors, and subsequently released Cultus. Cultus had a 60bhp engine and weighed just 600kg. It was built under Suzuki’s close supervision, and to cut costs, many of Alto’s parts were used. Cultus itself was not memorable, but its ¥698,000* price tag was. To attract consumers, Cultus appeared in a Western-inspired commercial titled “I’m Cultus”. Since then, Cultus’s fame skyrocketed. In 1986, the hot hatch GTi variant came equipped with a 1.3ℓ DOHC EPI engine that generated 115bhp. Acceleration was fantastic, thanks to its lightweight 730kg body. It was a rough drive, but it made an impression. Small wonder that it was a favourite! The second generation Cultus was slightly larger than the original, and in 1992, the
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popular Cultus 1000F was launched. It had air-conditioning, power steering, 5-speed manual transmission, and a stereo system. Best of all, it cost only ¥698,000*! Eventually, Suzuki also released a convertible variant and the Esteem sedan. Cultus’ third generation, Cultus Crescent, was even wider and had a wagon variant. Unfortunately, it had lost the original’s trademark character. Launched in 2000, the original Swift could not be more different from Cultus. Enthusiasts appreciated its affordability and enjoyed watching its Sport variant compete in the World Rally Championship (WRC). As a result, the second generation Swift was developed specifically for the international market, where its excellent ride quality made it a formidable presence. Owing to its predecessor’s success, the third generation model has not been extensively modified. But no matter how popular Swift is in Japan, Suzuki should work hard to keep its global niche.
HONDA’S COMPACTS: CITY (1981~1993), LOGO (1996~2001) AND FIT (2001~ONWARDS) The evolution of Honda’s compacts inevitably begins with City. Launched in 1981, City measured only 3380mm x 1570mm x
1470mm—the standing joke was that passengers would not be able to see New York’s high-rises while they were in the car! At a time when no one believed that small cars would sell, it broke the mould. What is more, City successfully combined several key automotive considerations: fuel efficiency, compactness, and affordability. The Type R variant cost ¥780,000*—not as inexpensive as Suzuki Cultus, but still reasonable. (To inject some excitement into the market, the Motocompo scooter was launched alongside City. The objective was to load the foldable bike into City’s trunk for later use, and sceptics were astounded by the plan’s success. I would not be surprised if Motocompo’s popularity resurges today.) Honda’s F1 participation marked a turning point in its research sensibilities. Since 1983, it has focused on its electric fuel injection and turbo technologies—this showed in City Turbo and Turbo II. Their 2ℓ engines generated 67bhp and integrated turbochargers boosted power to 100bhp. Another model worth mentioning is the Pininfarina-designed City Cabriolet, which was Honda’s first open-top after S800. It also came in a generous assortment of colours. This period was easily Honda’s most productive. The second generation City had a “crouching” design that was utterly different from its predecessor. It had a 16-valve engine
CULTUS CRESCENT (1995~2002)
CULTUS (ORIGINAL) (1983~1988)
● Overall length x overall w x overall height: 3585mm x 1545mm x 1350mm
● 1.3ℓ Inline-3 SOHC (60bhp/8.9kgm) ● Price: ¥698,000* (3-door GA with 4-MT) Popular
● Overall length x overall width x overall height: 3745mm x 1575mm x 1350mm
● 1ℓ Inline-3 SOHC (58bhp/8kgm) ● Price: ¥698,000* (3-door 1000F with 5-MT)
14 years after the release of Fronte 800, Suzuki launched the 3-door 1ℓ Cultus. The GU grade retailed for only ¥635,000*, and a higher grade with digital meters was sold overseas. Eventually, a 5-door 1.3ℓ model was added to the line-up, alongside a van that cost ¥635,000*.
● Overall length x overall width x overall height: 3870mm x 1680mm x 1395mm
● 1.3ℓ Inline-3 SOHC (85bhp/10.8kgm) ● Price: ¥939,000* (3-door C with 3-MT)
CULTUS, 2ND GENERATION (1988~1999)
Cultus’ second generation wowed with its integrated power steering and air-conditioning system. It was also the most affordable light vehicle of its time. The most renowned variants were 1000F and the Esteem sedan. In 1992, ● Overall length x overall width x overall height: 3615mm x 1600mm x 1540mm the convertible option was the first ● 1.3ℓ Inline-4 DOHC (88bhp/12kgm) Suzuki car to receive CVT. ● Price: ¥1.2 million* (SG with 4-AT) CULTUS GTI, 2ND GENERATION (1988)
Popular
ORIGINAL CULTUS GTI (1983)
Popular
SWIFT SPORT, 2ND GENERATION (2005)
● Overall length x overall width x overall height: 3695mm x 1690mm x 1515mm
● 1.3ℓ Inline-4 DOHC (91bhp/12kgm) ● Price: ¥1.2 million* (1.3XG with 4-AT)
The second generation Swift Sport reflects well on Suzuki. Though its 1.6ℓ engine generates only 125bhp, its specifications are well balanced. A 4-speed manual variant is also available. Swift Sport costs ¥1.6 million*.
and widened tyre tread. By this time, City was already being sold internationally but Honda capped its exports. Eventually, the car was discontinued. It was replaced by Logo, which was nothing like the automaker’s previous offerings. The original Fit shared the transmission system of Mercedes Benz C-Class, which contributed to its appeal. Despite its compact size, its centre tank layout stretched cabin space—and its seat layout was superior to City’s. It was a huge hit, and in 2002, it surpassed Toyota Corolla’s 33-year sales record. The current Fit is just as attractive as its predecessor. It comes with an iVTEC engine and Torukon CVT. Even better, it is noticeably more comfortable than before and easier to drive. A hybrid variant will be released in October.
With the goal of producing a lowcost car, Suzuki based Swift on Wagon-R. But the 900kg Swift had better performance, thanks to its 1.3ℓ all-aluminium M13A engine with integrated VVT. In 2002, the bestselling SE-Z variant retailed at ¥790,000*.
The second generation Swift was manufactured in Japan, Europe, India, and China; it was especially popular in Europe. It had a special platform, and the rear torsion beam greatly improved ride quality. Its design was also enhanced for the global automotive market. In 2007, it received a 1.2ℓ engine after a major revamp. SWIFT, 3RD GENERATION (2010~ONWARDS)
ORIGINAL SWIFT SPORT (2003)
The renowned 930kg Swift Sport has a specially tuned 1.5ℓ DOHC engine that generates 115bhp. It costs ¥1.2 million*.
ORIGINAL SWIFT (2000~2006)
SWIFT, 2ND GENERATION (2004~2010)
The new Cultus GTi retained its predecessor’s engine but received 14-inch tyres and full-time 4WD. It cost ¥1.26 million*. The 730kg hot hatch Cultus GTi had a 1.3ℓ DOHC engine that generated 115bhp. It cost ¥1.25 million*.
To maintain Cultus’ sales figures, Suzuki launched the 3-door hatchback, Cultus Crescent; it attempted to rival Toyota’s infamous Corolla. A year after, the bestselling Cultus Crescent wagon was released. However, the Cultus series was suspended after the 2001 launches of Elio and Elio Sedan.
● Overall length x overall width x overall height: 3850mm x 1695mm x 1510mm
● 1.2ℓ Inline-4 DOHC (92bhp/12kgm) ● Price: ¥1.2 million* (XG with CVT)
The third generation Swift’s main agenda is to boost fuel economy. Its weight has been capped at one tonne, and it is equipped with the latest JATCO CVT technology. It also has a new platform and a variable ratio gearbox. Expect its handling to be sharp! (The highly anticipated Sport variant will launch next year.)
Honda City Variants CIVIC PRO (1981~1986)
MOTOCOMPO (1982~1985)
CITY MANHATTAN ROOF (1982)
Civic Pro was City’s commercial variant, and came with 2-seater and 5-seater options and 4-speed manual transmission. It cost just ¥580,000*.
Motocompo was only 1185mm long and weighed 42kg. It could easily fit into City’s trunk.
Manhattan Roof was 100mm longer than the original City. Its high roof improved accommodation.
CITY R MANHATTAN SOUND (1984)
FIT ARIA (2002~2009)
FIT RS (2007~ONWARDS)
R Manhattan Sound boasted a high roof and large stereo speakers.
Based on the original Fit, the Fit Aria sedan was manufactured in Thailand. The 1.3 A variant cost ¥1.2 million*.
The 1.5ℓ Fit RS with 5-speed manual transmission closely resembles the original Civic RS.
* Prices are only indicative of the Japanese automotive market. For local pricing, please contact the relevant dealerships. ** Specifications of available models may vary. For more information, please contact the relevant dealerships.
BEST A–LIST キーパーソン
ー パ スー
R E P U S fe
i l r Ca
LS MODE -DOOR 4 G T S IN ETAIL AS FIR RTED R HICH W AS STA CE” 911, W H L E IL H T P “ S C I RIN S RER IS R, KOJ H POR A E E G V B U O R O -L E ALTH RSCHE S BANN IN. UD PO UVS, IT R A SP 3. PRO 6 AND S 9 GT3 FO 1 1 IN 1 9 D E E H CH LAUNC S PORS A, TAKE AOYAM
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VOL. 5
911’S EXCELLENT DESIGN IS INTACT EVEN AFTER A SERIES OF REVAMPS.
This is definitely not an ordinary rear spoiler!
It
The lip spoiler improves 911’s nose’s stability.
is well known that Aoyama is a fan of Porsche. His favourite model is 964, which retailed from 1989~1993. He is particularly keen on the Speedster variant, and even built an RSRtype Speedster using genuine Porsche parts; he had some difficulty finding the rare deep rim wheels. He also considered purchasing the current 997 Speedster variant, which costs ¥29.69 million* and whose global sale is limited to only 356 units. When asked what he finds so appealing about Porsches, he replied that they usually combine excellent design, innovative engine technology and compactness. Though recent models are being built larger, they are still smaller than Ferrari’s vehicles. “I prefer smaller cars,” he said. “So a Porsche-sized car that is easy to drive is ideal for me.”
The ceramic rotor behind the centre lock wheel provides more drive options.
The test model’s handy ride-height lift system makes it possible to adjust the car’s height.
In 2009, 911’s highly-tuned NA engine was upgraded to 3.8ℓ and its exhaust was expanded by 200cc. It generates 435bhp/43.8kgm.
911 GT3 measures only 4435mm x 1810mm x 1280mm, much smaller than Ferrari’s V8 Italia, which measures 4527mm x 1937mm x 1213mm. 911’s width posed no problem while maneouvering through Japan’s narrow roads. During the test, the road reverberated with the roar of the 3.8ℓ flat-6 engine that generated 435bhp/43.8kgm. As Aoyama drove the Spartan 911 GT3, he was reminded of his participation in the 2006 and 2007 Porsche Carrera Cup Japan. Its ride was much better than the stiff GT2’s—even with
its “hard” suspension, GT3 could withstand more road stress. Aoyama also praised the car’s familiar engine sound, handling and torque transmission. Porsche’s 4WD strategy aside, the RR layout also contributes to the driving experience. When asked to choose between the turbocharged and naturally-aspirated (NA) variants, Aoyama said that he preferred the latter.
JUNE 2011
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BEST RUNWAY フ ァッ シ ョ ン
White shirt • WanderWonder // Asymmetrical black vest • Depression // Blue-periwinkle pants • A.K.A Wayward // Black boots • Depression
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BEST CAR ISSU E 0 7
THE
YOUNG ’UNS SUZUKI SWIFT • CHAMPION MOTORS PTE LTD ART DIRECTION • NEO AIK SING PHOTOGRAPHY • KENNETH CHOO (ASSISTANT • KOH ZHI YONG) STYLIST • WINNIE LOO (ASSISTANT • SHIRLEY ZHONG) HAIR AND MAKE-UP • MICHELLE CHIN MODELS • HITOMI (CAWAII KOOHII), ALAN ANDON
3-collared blouse • Depression // Lace pants • Depression // Black neon necklace • Depression // Black flats • Vivienne Westwood // Red leather handbag • Bello LOCATION • ROYAL PLAZA ON SCOTTS
BEST RUNWAY > FOR HIM
ASSISTED BY • VICTOR AND BURTON
PHOTOGRAPHY • LAWRENCE @ LUMINA PHOTOGRAPHY
STYLIST • VERNA TAN
フ ァッ シ ョ ン：メ ン ズ
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Parco Marina Bay #P2-21 Millenia Walk
Left to right: Half-a-side T-shirt, $69 / Grey low crotch trousers, $42.50 3-layer vest, $110 / Black ribbed harem trousers, $145 Polka dot shirt, $65 / Grey elastic harem pants, $99
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BEST GOURMET グ ルメ
、 せ ま い さ な り 帰 お ！ 様 人 ご主 ed that t, we learn ma! means To our deligh , goshujinsa se a im Koohii. sa na Okaeri ” at Cawaii r! e st a m , ack RRERA PHY • JEP BA “Welcome b PHOTOGRA
Hitomi holding a tuna sandwich ($14.80); toasted ciabatta bread with lettuce and Japanese cucumber. “We toast it so it is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside!” Served with Garden or Fruit Salad.
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BEST CAR ISSU E 07
Makiyo brews a delicious cup of Sumiyaki UCC Roast ($11.80), a popular Japanese coffee, using the Siphon technique.
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Anthony Hair Boutique
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Murano wine opener
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Honda Insight umbrella
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Mysterious Café
Up for grabs: 5!