New Subaru Car Finally Launched Next Month, What Model?

 Subaru Indonesia is finally ready to release a new product for the Indonesian market. This new model will be the first to be marketed by Plaza Subaru as Subaru's APM (brand holder agent) in Indonesia, before being followed by many other models.

The new model was shown through a teaser photo that was displayed when holding an iftar event with the media on Wednesday (20/4) yesterday. The figure that only shows the LED line of the headlights is very characteristic of the latest Subaru Forester model. Not surprisingly, considering that the global automotive market trend is still pivoting on the SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) model.

The teaser which refers to the latest Forester has also been uploaded by Subaru through the official social media Instagram @subaru.indonesia. It is clearly stated in the short video that the model in question will be of the type and enliven the SUV market. The launch schedule for the first new model has been determined for the 2nd quarter of this year. Even the date has been revealed, which is launched on May 18, 2022.

"What is clear is that until now our preparations to launch the latest product in the second quarter are still on track as planned. Today, too, we will first share a little more information about the product and launch date, which we will launch in the not too distant future,” said Arie Christopher, COO of Subaru Indonesia.

Arie further explained that this new model has gone through a test stage, aka a test drive of 20,000 kilometers in preparation for greeting the Indonesian market. The test went through various criteria to the endurance test required by the relevant government agency, he said. This is to make this new product meet market expectations.

Subaru Forester

Questioning the Forester itself, the model that will be launched is the fifth generation with the SK body code. It has been circulating since 2018. Of course, what will be launched here is the facelift version that Subaru has provided for the 2022 model year. Its form is slightly visible from the LED DRL silhouette on the teaser accompanied by the fog lamp luminescence which is sufficient to display the boxy body shape typical of an SUV.

To be sure, Subaru products will feature its signature technology, namely the Boxer engine and the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) drive system. There are three engine options, namely 1.8 liter turbo (CB18), 2.0 liter (FB20), and 2.5 liter (FB25). They are all petrol engines and are mated to a Lineartronic CVT automatic transmission.

The latest Forester has also carried a series of standard safety technologies that are packaged as Eyesight Driver Assist Technology. Some of the safety features include the Subaru DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System. Can detect when the driver lost focus or sleepy on the way. This system can even recognize five different driver profiles, to be able to adjust the seat position, mirrors, and AC settings.

What variant or specifications of the Subaru Forester will be launched in Indonesia next month, we will know exactly at launch later.

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Honda Brio RS Urbanite Review, Factory Default Racer Modification Style

 PT Honda Prospect Motor (HPM) has just presented the latest Brio RS Urbanite, Wednesday (20/4/2022). In this update, the compact citycar gets a sportier makeover as an answer to the target market of young people who want a vehicle that looks different for their daily lives.

Honda revealed that the latest Brio RS Urbanite is the embodiment of the Small RS Concept that was shown at the 2018 IIMS exhibition. The car that was just a dream has now become a reality and can be owned by Brio RS consumers.

we got a chance to take a closer look at the changes to this new product. The appearance of the latest Brio RS Urbanite at first glance does become more sporty. Comes with a new color taffeta white duo tone white and a black roof, this sporty impression is even more thick with new black 15-inch wheels with 185/55 R15 tires, door handles and also black mirror housings. The front grille also, like other RS models, uses black coloring and the RS logo is added so that the sporty impression is indeed more pronounced. Not to forget, there is still a front under spoiler which is an interesting detail on the front of this latest Brio Urbanite.

Moving to the back, the main attention immediately looks at the spoiler or the large rear wing. The installation is placed on a high mounted stop lamp above the back door. The shape of the spoiler is quite sporty with sharp wing tips on the left and right

The installation of this spoiler does make the Brio RS Urbanite look different. If you compare it with the shape that is present in the Small RS Concept, Honda doesn't seem to make major changes. The only difference is the loss of the air grille ornaments on the side of the vehicle. On the positive side, now Brio RS Urbanite owners can get racer modifications directly from the manufacturer. An interesting offer for fans of modifications.

The back of the latest Brio RS Urbanite now also features an Urbanite emblem to distinguish it from other variants. In addition, a rear under spoiler with a diffuser plus a side under spoiler, which uses black, is also still given for a sporty impression that is getting thicker.

On paper, the new variant of the Brio RS does not change the dimensions. Honda offers the Brio RS Urbanite with a length of 3,815 mm, a width of 1,680 mm and a height of 1,485 mm and a wheelbase of 2,405 mm. In addition, several technologies are still embedded in this city car such as LED lighting for the headlamp, stop lamp and turn signal, as well as rearview mirrors with motor folding.

Entering the interior, there are no striking differences compared to the Urbanite model that was present in 2021. Orange accents are present on the dashboard, especially on the passenger side, as well as the AC grilles on the left, right and center. This orange touch is also present on the fabric seat stitching in the first and second rows as well as the meter cluster on the speed indicator.

Sitting in the first row of the Brio RS Urbanite there is no change in shape and feel compared to the previous model. The steering wheel is still comfortable to grip with the presence of an audio steering switch. Plastic material still dominates this dashboard area, but a modern touch can be felt from the digital AC instructions at the touch of a button. Plus the presence of a 6.2-inch head unit screen with the ability to play various music formats as well as a hands free telephone plus a tweeter speaker for a better entertainment experience. Convenience comes from the ability to tilt the steering wheel as well as the adjustable headrest.

Sitting in the second row, Brio RS Urbanite still provides flexibility for passengers with a height of 170 cm. The backrest angle is comfortable with the presence of a back pocket for storage, speakers in the second row, cup holders on the door and an adjustable headrest.

Regarding safety features, the latest Brio RS Urbanite features Dual Front i-SRS Airbags, G-CON + ACE frame structure, and ABS + EBD braking system, as well as alarm and immobilizer safety features. The performance side is still the same, namely the 4-cylinder 1.2L i-VTEC engine that produces 90 PS at 6,000 rpm and 110 Nm of torque at 4,800 rpm. In addition to manual transmission, Brio also gets a CVT transmission option with Earth Dream Technology.

The New Honda Brio RS Urbanite Edition is offered in two options, namely a manual transmission which is sold at a price of Rp. 225.9 million and a CVT transmission at a price of Rp. 235.9 million. Compared to the previous price, this new model is Rp 12 million more expensive for the manual transmission and Rp 5 million for the CVT transmission.

Brio was first present in 2012 and since then has managed to record sales of more than 435,000 units in Indonesia and become the model with the highest sales in 2020. Brio has local content as much as 90 percent and this model has been exported overseas as many as 21,000 units. Especially for the Urbanite model, since it was introduced last year, 1,537 units have been sold.

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NMax Electric, Yamaha E01 will be rented out to Indonesian people

 Yamaha E01, the latest motorcycle from the manufacturer bearing a tuning fork similar to the NMax but powered by electricity, is said to be distributed to Indonesia. As previously known, at the Indonesian International Motor Show (IIMS) 2022, this motorbike has been displayed in public. Now, Yamaha Motor Corporation claims that Indonesia is one of the countries that will be the target of the E01 distribution.

For the initial phase, the Yamaha E01 will not be sold to the public, but will be loaned to individuals with a rental business scheme. This was chosen because the E01 is still in the process of concept testing, and has not yet entered the mass production line.

"To find the best technology based on the real needs of the community, we will start conducting a Proof of Concept (PoC) testing phase, namely by distributing motorbikes to learn more about the driving habits of six countries or regions with different uses in different climates." explained Yasushi Nomura, Innovation Group, Global Branding Section, Motorcycle Business Unit of Yamaha Motor Corporation in a product introduction session held online with media from around the world, today (21/4).

The countries targeted for PoC Yamaha E01 are Japan, Europe, Taiwan, Thailand, Malaysia and including Indonesia. It was stated that the main targets of PoC were private users, rental, B2B business units as well as goods delivery systems, and others. And the distribution method is rental.

In Nomura's presentation, it was explained that the E01 was indeed developed by adhering to several principles from Yamaha NMax. For example, from the proportions, the format of the medium scooter and even the wheelbase are made similar with the aim of providing a comfortable driving experience and in accordance with the technical needs of a large battery. The formula was applied through the Motoroid design, which is indeed the ultimate concept motorcycle from the electric vehicle segment.

Some of the specifications described are lithium ion batteries with a capacity of 4.9 kWh. This battery is a source of power for the synchronous motor unit with a power of 8.1 kW or 11 PS with a torque of 30.2 Nm. Torque of that size, can be obtained in a rotation of only 1,950 rpm. The distance that can be achieved is 130 km (European Class 1 WMTC te method). The highest speed that can be achieved by this motorbike is said to reach 100 km / h.

All these performance specifications are arranged in a body design with a wheelbase of 1,930 mm, which is considered equivalent to the NMax at the level of 1,935 mm. The seat height is also relatively the same, where NMax is 740 mm, E01 is 755 mm. In his presentation it was also mentioned that the proportion of riding position was made similar to that of NMax (attached image).

One thing to note, the Yamaha E01 uses an embedded (fix) battery method that cannot be removed easily (swapable). Principals argue this method allows them to embed larger batteries in the hope of longer mileage or usage. So, the only way to charge it is to connect the E01 to a charging power source.

"If it does enter the mass production phase, we will still use the fixed battery model. The problem we are currently facing is that these large batteries have to be secured under a lot of electronic equipment where there is a shortage in the market, and this is something we have to consider ," added Eiji Koyano, Group Manager of Innovation Group at Yamaha Motor Corporation.

 

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The First Impression of the New Honda City Hatchback RS Using Honda Sensing

 Lapse of a year from its launch, Honda provided an update on the City Hatchback RS, Wednesday (20/4/2022). Now the sporty-style hatchback is getting additional features from the Honda Sensing advanced safety guarantee package.

But in addition to safety features, PT Honda Prospect Motor (HPM) also provides an interesting refresher, especially in terms of comfort. Anything? Check out the experience of Oto.com meeting for the first time with this new variant of the City Hatchback.

First from the exterior appearance. There are no significant changes from this hatchback at a glance. Honda also does not provide a special emblem for the use of Honda Sensing. However, as a marker, there is now a camera in the left rearview mirror which indicates the use of Lane Watch. Plus from behind the windshield there are cameras and sensors for various Honda Sensing safety features.

From the front, the City Hatcback RS still uses a grille with black accents with the RS logo. There is a honeycomb air grille coupled with LED headlamps with DRL and fog lamps as well as LED technology. The main light now has an auto headlight feature as an added convenience.

The legs still use 16-inch rims with 185/55 R16 tires of the cross model. Prospective consumers have to bite their fingers, because the size of the rim does not increase to 17 inches. The door handle is still body color and the rear view mirror is black. At the back, the City Hatcback RS still uses a combination of LED lights with the iconic U model.

On paper, the dimensions have not changed. This hatchback still offers a wheelbase of 2,600 mm which affects the offer of a seating formation mode that adapts to the needs during driving.

Entering the interior, there is no difference in design with non-Honda Sensing models. However, Honda now embeds a 7-inch TFT screen on the meter cluster for easy reading of information about the vehicle, replacing the monochrome screen on the standard model.

The City Hatchback with Honda Sensing still offers seats with a combination of fabric and suede which get a touch of red accents for a sporty aura.

Other conveniences that are present are digital AC settings, paddle shift and audio steering switches as well as buttons to activate several Honda Sensing features on the steering column, as well as an 8-inch head unit. The entertainment side comes with the ability to play various audio files, Bluetooth connection plus eight speakers throughout the cabin. This head unit screen is also connected to the Lane Watch feature to display the condition on the left of the vehicle as well as a multi-angle rear view camera where the driver can select the viewing angle mode when parking backwards.

In the second row, the cabin size is spacious for passengers with a height of 170 cm. The corner of the second row of seats is also comfortable, leg room and head room are spacious. Comfort comes from the cup holder on the door, the seat pocket behind the first row of seats and the power socket on the center console.

Honda Sensing on the City Hatchback RS consists of a Collision Mitigation Brake System (CMBS), Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). Another additional feature is the walk away auto lock which complements the security features of the alarm and immobilizer. In addition, there is still the use of the G-CON + ACE frame, six airbags, hill start assist, vehicle stability assist, ABS, EBD + BA, Brake Override System, and an emergency stop signal.

Power is still entrusted to the 1.5L DOHC inline 4 cylinder engine, 16 valve i-VTEC + DBW which makes its performance reach 121PS/6,600 rpm and a maximum torque of 145 Nm/4,300 rpm. Honda provides ECON mode for a more fuel efficient driving character.

Honda City Hatchback RS is available in 6 color options, including Phoenix Orange Pearl, Rallye Red, Crystal Black Pearl, Lunar Silver Metallic, Platinum White Pearl, and Meteoroid Gray Metallic. Prices start at Rp. 333.6 million for the manual transmission variant, Rp. 343, 6 million for the CVT transmission and Rp. 362.6 million for the Honda Sensing variant with CVT.

Regarding this price, the Honda Sensing City Hatchback RS variant is higher than the latest HR-V model, the lowest variant, namely the S CVT which is also Honda Sensing at IDR 358.9 million. This includes the latest BR-V that uses Honda Sensing which is offered at IDR 346.6 million. However, potential consumers of each model certainly have different judgments in choosing according to their needs.

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Yamaha E01 does not use the name NMax Electric, this is the principal explanation

 The fanfare for the Yamaha NMax Electric grew after PT Yamaha Indonesia Motor Manufacturing (YIMM) displayed the E01 on the stage of the Indonesian International Motor Show (IIMS) 2022. This is because the figure of the concept model is very similar to the NMax, YIMM's flagship gambot scooter.

Overall posture, large, to the aura, reflects the figure of the 155 cc engined scooter. When we had the opportunity to attend a global press conference held by Yamaha Motor Corporation (YMC) with media from various parts of the world, we also explored this similarity.

As explained by YMC by Teppei Maezono, YMC's Design Director, the Yamaha E01 is actually designed with a Motoroid visual approach. For those of you who have forgotten, the Motoroid is a prototype electric motor that can move on its own without the need to drive. The form and concept is very futuristic and revolutionary. Well, this design concept was derived from the E01 but is formatted in the proportions of a 125 cc class scooter (image attached).

Yamaha E01

Still according to Maezono, Yamaha Motoroid is a complete visual of the design concept titled Jin-Ki Kanno. This design concept is an idealistic perspective of the manufacturer with the symbol of a tuning fork in designing a motorbike with a visualization of function and structure or what they call Juxtaposition. 

Therefore, although the proportions do take many principles from NMax, but because it is still in a concept version in the proof of concept (PoC) phase, the E01 is presented with a very futuristic design.

Eiji Koyano, Group Manager of Innovation Group YMC explained the same thing when explaining our question regarding the use of the name E01 instead of NMax Elektrik. This is done to ensure that the public does not think that the E01 model is a mass-sold version.

"Yamaha E01, as the name implies is still in the PoC testing phase. And this is about proving this concept to the public. That's why at TMS, E01 is the name we use. We don't want to cause confusion by using an existing name, worrying that it will be mistakenly sold , but not yet," explained Eiji Koyano, Group Manager of Innovation Group YMC on the same occasion.

Yamaha E01 is planned to be distributed to Indonesia along with six other countries and regions in the world in this PoC phase. Later, E01 will be rented out to the public, both individuals and institutions with a special scheme. During the rental process, YMC will also continuously capture feedback from users and the motorbike itself. The purpose of this PoC is to read how the use and consumer needs for electric motors in each country.

The following is an explanation from YMC regarding the Yamaha E01 PoC project. "To find the best technology based on the real needs of the community, we will start conducting a Proof of Concept (PoC) testing phase, namely by distributing motorbikes to learn more about the driving habits of six countries or regions with different uses in different climates." explained Yasushi Nomura, Innovation Group, Global

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RAM electric trucks head to showrooms this year

 Automotive manufacturer RAM, will introduce electric trucks this year before launching them to the public in 2024.

RAM CEO Mike Koval said at the New York International Auto Show that the EV truck was inspired by the "chat" of truck owners at the RAM Real Talk Tour.

"Many inputs from Real Talk RAM influenced us for the design," said Koval. "The design will later affect the products we bring to the market, so connect all. There is a master plan," said Mike Koval quoted from CarsCoops, Friday.

The all-electric truck will compete with Ford and GM, as well as from start-up Rivian. Carlos Tavares, CEO of Stellantis said they would compensate for the delay in launching the electric truck with a truly "profitable" variant.

"The fact is that we arrived late," Tavares said in January.

"But the fact that we have the opportunity to match the competitiveness and appeal of our own trucks with what they do, which is a competitive game, which is a fantastic situation for consumers because the real winner of this competition is the consumer."

As additional information, the all-electric RAM 1500 will use the STLA Frame architecture for large trucks and SUVs with a body-on-frame platform large enough to accommodate a battery pack of up to 200 kWh.

 

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George Soros Buys Rivian Startup Shares

 Billionaire George Soros bought nearly 20 million shares of electric truck startup Rivian Automotive Inc in the quarter ended December 31, 2021.

Based on a Reuters report, February 11, 2022, Soros bought 19,835,761 shares of Rivian worth around US$ 2 billion (Rp 28.7 trillion, the current exchange rate is US$ 1 = Rp 14,344). This figure makes Soros Fund Management among the most prominent investors in the company, which has yet to start production of its electric vehicles.

Rivian, which is 20 percent owned by Amazon.com, is expected to provide the e-commerce company with more than 100,000 electric trucks.

Irvine, Calif.-based Rivian said in December that it expected production to fall "a few hundred vehicles less" from its 2021 target of 1,200 units due to supply chain constraints. The forecast comes as the company issues production projections and challenges for facing current electric vehicle leader Tesla Inc.

Rivian shares fell 9 percent on Friday last week and are down 43 percent for the year. The share price is down 67 percent from a record high of $179.46 touched on Nov. 16, 2021, less than a week after raising $12 billion in the stock's biggest debut last year.

REUTERS

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