Honda Indonesia plans to sell the RS Concept SUV from IDR 250 million

 In the near future PT Honda Prospect Motor (HPM) is believed to be releasing another new car. The product is based on the RS Concept SUV base which was introduced at the 2021 Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS) exhibition.

Learning from the introduction strategy of the Honda N7X Concept, HPM did not take long to launch its mass model which is now in the form of the all new Honda BR-V. The presence of the RS Concept SUV is arguably the company's initial strategy to test the response of the domestic market.

HPM's Business Innovation and Sales & Marketing Director, Yusak Billy, does not want to be open about the fate of the concept car. He just ensures that the launch of a product is waiting for the right momentum.

"We are waiting, we still need inputs and conduct surveys. The research is not finished, we will inform you later," said Billy, in the Edutown BSD area, South Tangerang, recently.

He continued, market surveys are very important for a new product. This is related to consumer acceptance later and most importantly about positioning the right price tag and according to customer needs.

Prices Starting at IDR 250 Million?

From the results of research conducted by HPM, based on Billy's narrative, consumers who are interested in the RS Concept SUV hope that the car can be sold with a starting price of IDR 250 million. An attractive price if it is actually realized, considering that its competitor, Toyota Raize, also offers an equivalent price. 

"The price range (consumer demand) is from Rp. 250 million to Rp. 350 million. But for the RS SUV there is no plan (launch), we are still studying the consumer because we must admit that the trend for SUVs from small, medium and SUV continues to rise," he said. .

Possible Engine Honda SUV RS Concept

The Honda SUV RS Concept is predicted to be equipped with a number of engine options, namely 1,000 cc turbo, 1,300 cc naturally aspirated, and 1,500 cc naturally aspirated.

Then for the driving sector, this car is allegedly going to pack a CVT transmission and a 5-speed manual option. To note, this concept car was born thanks to the synergy between Honda R&D Asia Pacific and Honda R&D Indonesia.

Now, departing from the trend of small SUVs, which continues to increase, it seems that HPM is just waiting for time to open the hood for the mass version. Moreover, in terms of market competition and opportunities, Honda could not be silent watching its rivals harvest money in this car segment.

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GT Radial Tires Celebrate Track Day Mandalika 2022

 The Mandalika Circuit will be busy again. After the World Superbike (WSBK) motorcycle racing event, followed by MotoGP, the Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit was opened to the public. One of the events is Track Day Mandalika, which will take place on 21 - 22 May 2022.

A number of parties also enliven the event. Including PT Gajah Tunggal Tbk through the GT Radial brand. The domestic tire manufacturer displays one of the flagship drifters, Valentino Ratulangi, who will circle the track with his drift car.

GT Radial's Brand Executive, Bayu Putra Kesuma, explained that their participation in the Mandalika 2022 Track Day activity was an effort to introduce GT Radial to motorsport players in Indonesia.

"Of course, at this time we are using this big moment to improve our brand image, brand awareness of GT Radial and at the same time see how enthusiastic the participants are," Bayu explained in an official statement.

Meanwhile, drifter Valentino Ratulangi will carry out Track Day Mandalika 2022. Of course, by using one of the mainstay products, namely GT Radial Champiro SX2 tires. This GT Radial Champiro SX2 tire is also known as the tire that often leads the racers in the Indonesia Sentul Series of Motorsport (ISSOM) to win every race.

"We also used this activity to take down one of our drifters, Valentino Ratulangi, who was also present there with his team Rajawali Arkato racing Team (RART) by using one of our flagship products GT Radial Champiro SX-2 as their official tire in the event. motorsport activities," said Bayu.

Valentino Ratulangi, expressed his joy through this activity. Considered an excellent opportunity, both for myself and for the GT Radial brand. "I'm very happy and grateful, RART and GT Radial can take part in the activities at the Mandalika Circuit. This is a good moment to test the ability of the tires I use," said Valentino.

"I have prepared GT Radial Champiro SX2 tires for this activity and the advantage of this tire is that the grip is very extraordinary, for good drifting, for track days I can actually enjoy it more," he added.

According to Bayu, the existence of GT Radial on Track Day Mandalika could be one of the advancements in the motorsport industry in the country. "This track day event can provide good things for automotive lovers, as well as world motorsport lovers to come back and try the Mandalika circuit. It is also an opportunity for GT Radial to continue to develop better in conducting research for the benefit of motorsport," Bayu concluded.

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Subaru Forester Comes Again, Who Are the Competitors in Indonesia?

 Subaru marks its return to the Indonesian market by presenting the All New Subaru Forester. This Subaru global SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) product was introduced by PT Plaza Auto Mega and Subaru Corporation Japan at Plaza Subaru Alam Sutera, Wednesday (18/5/2022).

This fifth generation Forester offers a variety of technologies. Call it the Subaru Global Platform, Boxer Engine, Symmetrical All Wheel Drive with X-mode and the fourth generation Subaru EyeSight safety features.

The presence of the Subaru Forester has made the medium SUV market, which has been inhabited by several brands, increasingly crowded. Forester will face off against the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, Peugeot 3008, and Toyota Corolla Cross. We try to compare several factors between this latest Subaru Forester with its rivals in the same class.

Price

Direct discussion about price because this is the determining factor. For Indonesia, the all-new Subaru Forester was introduced with 2 variants, the Subaru Forester 2.0i-L which was offered at a price of IDR 579.5 million and the Subaru Forester 2.0i-S EyeSight offered at a price of IDR 659.5 million. Both are in on the road status in Jakarta.

All of the all-new Subaru Foresters marketed through PT Plaza Auto Mega, are offered with a 3 year / 100,000 km warranty, 3 years / 50,000 km free service (depending on which one is reached first), as well as a 3-year Subaru Roadside Assistance, assistance service 24/7 emergency by Atlas Indonesia. 

The Peugeot 3008 model also comes with a choice of two variants. The first of the Active variants is offered at a price of Rp. 627 million. The Allure Plus variant is offered at a price of IDR 749 million, also with Jakarta on the road status. This price includes a 5 year warranty / 60,000 km free service and spare parts, 3 + 2 years / 100,000 km warranty for the Allure Plus variant, 3 years / 100,000 km warranty for the Active variant and 5 years Peugeot Emergency Roadside Assistance (ERA).

The Mazda CX-5 SUV is also offered in two variants. The price for the Elite variant is IDR 597.7 million and the Kuro variant is IDR 607.7 million. Both are on the road in Jakarta. Mazda warranty service is provided for 3 years / 100,000 km, and 24 hours 7 days Emergency roadside assistance. Mazda also provides a 5 year / 150,000 km warranty option where an additional 2 years / 50,000 km is provided in addition to the standard warranty. Mazda CX-5 users only need to pay Rp. 10 million.

The next model is the Honda CR-V. This SUV is offered in several variants starting from the 2.0L i-Vtec engine variant at a price of IDR 515.9 million, the 1.5L Turbo variant at a price of IDR 590.9 million, the Honda Sensing Prestige Turbo variant at a price of IDR 651.4 million and finally there is a 1.5L variant. turbo black edition at a price of Rp. 666.4 million. Honda offers an economical package for aftersales which consists of 4 years / 50,000 km, 8 years / 100,000 km periodic maintenance and free periodic maintenance services for 4 years / 50,000 km.

Lastly, there is the Toyota Corolla Cross which offers two variants. The first is a model with a conventional gasoline engine with spot order status at a price of Rp.463.510 million. Hybrid model at IDR 506.1 million. Toyota provides a base warranty of 3 years / 100,000 km and a battery warranty for the hybrid model of 5 years / 150,000 km.

The comparison above shows that Forester's price tag coincides with several rivals. Indeed, with a figure of Rp. 500 million to Rp. 600 million, the choice of SUVs offered is quite diverse and with an additional offer of after-sales convenience. Just adjust the funds and the desired taste.

Performance

Moving on to the discussion of engine performance offers. Forester offers one engine choice, namely the FB20 Boxer Engine, 4-cylinder, 2.0L Naturally Aspirated which produces 156 ps of power at 6000 rpm and up to 196 Nm of torque at 4000rpm. The engine uses a 7-speed Lineartronic CVT transmission and Active Torque Split AWD. This is for smooth power distribution and gearshift can also be done manually using the paddle shift. The Subaru Forester is also equipped with X-Mode aka driving mode to optimize the engine for various road conditions. In the EyeSight variant, there are Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud modes.

The Peugeot 3008 comes with a 1,598 cc 4 cylinder twin scroll turbo engine that produces 167 ps of power at 6,000 rpm and 240 Nm of torque from 1,400 rpm. This engine is paired with a 6-speed EAT6 transmission. The gear changes are also equipped with paddle shifts. Peugeot offers the Advanced Grip Control feature as a mode for traction control consisting of Normal, sang, mud, snow and ESP off modes.

Mazda CX-5 uses a 2,488 cc engine with Skyactiv-G technology. This engine produces power of 190 ps at 6,000 rpm and 252 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. Skyactive technology can disable cylinders from four to two to improve fuel economy. This engine is connected to a six-speed Skyactiv-drive transmission and uses two-wheel drive, aka 2 WD. The transfer of the transmission is also provided with ease with paddle shifts on the steering wheel.

The New Honda CR-V comes with a 1.5L VTEC Turbo engine with Earth Dreams Technology. This engine produces a maximum power of 190 ps at 5,600 rpm and a maximum torque of 240 Nm at 2,000 to 5,000 rpm. This engine is paired with an Earth Dreams Technology CVT (Continuous Variable Transmission) transmission. The paddle shift feature is also present for the practicality of driving in transmission shifts. There are ECON and Eco Assist modes for fuel-efficient driving. The 2.0L engine variant comes with SOHC i-VTEC technology which produces 154 ps of power.

Finally, there is the Corolla Cross which offers a 1,798 cc four-cylinder in-line 16 valve DOHC dual VVT-i engine that produces 140 ps of power at 6,400 rpm and 171 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. The Hybrid model carries the same engine that produces 98 PS of power at 5,200 rpm and 142 Nm of torque at 3,600 rpm. The electric motor produces 72 PS of power and 162 Nm of torque. Especially for the Hybrid model, there are driving modes namely ECO, Sport and EV.

From the list above, the latest Subaru Forester engine is not too superior, especially when compared to rivals that use turbo engines. But on the driving side, Forester is the only one that offers AWD drive with a fairly complete selection of driving modes.

Dimensions and Exterior

The Subaru Forester offers dimensions of 4,640 mm in length, 1,815 mm in width and 1,730 mm in height with a ground clearance of 220 mm. The lighting is already using LED projector technology with adaptive driving beam and responsive steering headlight. 17-inch two tone rims with 255/65/17 tires for the 2.0i-L variant and 18-inch 5 spoke rims with 225/55/18 tires for the EyeSight variant. There are eight exterior colors, namely horizon blue pearl, crystal black silica, crimson red pearl, crystal white pearl, magnetite gray metallic, autumn green metallic, ice silver metallic and brilliant bronze metallic.

The Peugeot 3008 model offers dimensions of 4,510 mm in length, 1,850 mm in width and 1,662 mm in height with a wheelbase of 2,730 mm. The lighting is already LED projector with auto leveling for Allure Plus, DRL, and 3D LED on the back. The size of the rim is 18 inches with a cross model. There are two exterior color choices, namely Nera black and pearl white.

Mazda CX-5 offers dimensions of 4,575 mm in length, 1,845 mm in width and 1,680 mm in height with a wheelbase of 2,700 mm. Ground clearance as high as 193 mm. The lighting is already using LEDs with automatic leveling, DRL, rear combination LED on the back. The rim size is 19 inches with 225/55 R19 tires in metallic black.

Honda CR-V offers dimensions of length 4,623 mm, width 1,855 mm and height 1,657 mm with a wheelbase of 2,660 mm. The lighting is already using LEDs with auto leveling which is equipped with a sequential LED turning signal. The back also uses LED lights. Regarding the size of the legs, the CR-V uses a two-tone 18-inch alloy wheel. There are four color choices, namely platinum white pearl, lunar silver metallic, meteoroid gray metallic and crystal black pearl.

Finally, there is the Toyota Corolla Cross which offers dimensions of 4,460 mm in length, 1,825 mm in width, 1,620 mm in height with a wheelbase of 2,640 mm. The lighting is already using LEDs with 18-inch dark gray chrome rims and 225/50 R18 tires. The Corolla Cross is offered in attittude black metallic, platinum white pearl, metal stream metallic, red mica metallic, graphite metallic, celestite gray metallic, and nebula blue metallic colors.

Features and Convenience

We come to the last discussion about features and convenience. In this discussion, both Forester and rivals do not want to lose in presenting the latest features as a modern SUV. Anything?

In the Forester, the interior features are 500 liters to 1,740 liters of luggage, an 8-inch head unit, a 9 speaker 576 watt Harman Kardon audio system, the use of nappa leather, a front side view monitor and a sunroof as an offer for potential customers. There is also the Subaru All Round Savety feature which consists of auto vehicle hold, vehicle dynamic control system, hazard avoidance, responsive steering headlight, 6 SRS airbags, high beam assist, and rear vehicle detection. Don't forget the Subaru EyeSight technology, which is the latest ADAS feature on the Forester. It consists of a pre-collision braking system, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, pre-collision throttle management, and lane departure prevention.

On the Peugeot 3008 there is the convenience of a 10.1-inch touch screen on the Allure and 8 inches on the Active, premium black claudio leather, panoramic sunroof, 12.3-inch digital head up cluster. Safety features include 6-point airbags, hill assist descent control, electronic stability program, ABS EBD and BA as standard, anti-skid regulation, dynamic stability control. speed limit recognition, and tire pressure sensor. There are also features such as driver attention alert, active lane keeping assist, and a blind spot information system.

Mazda CX-5 offers luggage capacity of 458 liters with a maximum volume of 1,303 liters. Comfort comes from an 8-inch head unit, wireless smartphone charger, Bose 10 speaker audio system with Centrepoint 2 and AudioPilot 2, 7-inch TFT meter cluster, 360-degree screen and leather seats. Safety features consist of ABS EBD and BA braking, dynamic stability control, traction control system, hill launch assist, G-vectoring Control Plus, 6-point airbags and sensors in front and rear. The i-Activsense features consist of blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, smart city brake support, smart brake support and forward obstruction warning, radar cruise control, cruising & traffic support, lane departure warning system, lane keep assist system, and pedestrian brakes. forward.

On the Honda New CR-V, comfort comes from the panoramic power sunroof, 5-inch TFT meter cluster screen, dual zone auto AC, 7-inch head unit with 8 speakers throughout the cabin, remote engine start, and multi angle view camera. The safety features consist of driver attention monitor, electric parking brake with auto brake hold, hill start assist, emergency stop signal, walk away auto lock. Not to forget the CR-V has Honda Sensing features which consist of the Collision Mitigation Braking System, adaptive cruise control with low speed follow, lane keeping assist system, road departure mitigation and auto high beam.

Lastly, the Toyota Corolla Cross offers comfort with the presence of a power moonroof, 9-inch head unit, leather for some parts of the cabin, 6-point airbags and a parking camera. There is a hill start assist feature, ABS, EBD and BA braking features, vehicle stability control, and back and corner sonar.

That was the discussion of the Subaru Forester, a newcomer to the SUV segment, when compared to its rivals. Subaru offers a variety of features that are considered attractive for potential customers with a capital of IDR 500 million to IDR 600 million. At this level, the features and features are competitive enough to compete in its segment

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Honda HR-V Electric Launch in Indonesia Waiting for the Right Time

 The Honda HR-V Electric, also known as e:NS1 and e:NP1, has been officially sold in China. The pollution-free SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) is a product of the synergy between Honda and Dongfeng, a joint venture company called Dongfeng Honda.

In China, orders for both retail models have been open since March 18, 2022 yesterday. The electric Honda HR-V is also the first electrification product from Honda for the domestic market there.

Both models are available in two choices of electric motors with a power output of 179.5 hp and a peak torque of 310 Nm which is supplied from a 53.6 kWh battery and can cover a distance of up to 420 kilometers on a single charge.

In addition to being injected with an electric dynamo, the electric Honda HR-V is also equipped with the latest technology and connectivity. Starting from Honda Connect 3.0 and the Driver Monitoring Camera (DMC) which allows detecting a negligent driving style to minimize accidents.

The difference between the Honda e: NS1 with the e: NP1 is broadly in the display. e: NS1 uses a grille with the same color as the body color. While the e: NP1 uses a black grille so it looks more sporty. Then the next difference is in the wheels, mainly in the visual color.

Inside the cabin, the most significant difference when compared to the all new HR-V petrol which was recently released in Indonesia is in the infotainment component with a vertical touch screen with a span of 15.1 inches. Then in the panel meter that has applied the LCD model.

Regarding the price, these two electric HR-V models will be sold with a price tag of 175 thousand to 218 thousand yuan or the equivalent of Rp. 379 million to Rp. 427 million. With the placement of the price, model base, electrical system, and features, it seems this model will be interesting if it is imported to Indonesia.

But the question is whether the electric Honda HR-V is one of the electrification vehicle strategies from PT Honda Prospect Motor (HPM) in the Indonesian market?

Wait for the right time

Business Innovation and Sales & Marketing Director of PT HPM, Yusak Billy explained, his party is still conducting an in-depth study of electrification, the launch of an electric car will be carried out but waiting for the right time.

"Launching a product depends on consumer demand, market conditions, infrastructure, and at the right time. So we'll see and learn, whether our consumers need it or not, how the facilities and infrastructure are. It's never too late," said Billy when asked about HR. -V electric.

Moreover, continued Billy, the principal in Japan has confirmed that in 2024 all Honda vehicles will be electric-based. Not to forget, there is also a long-term target from the Indonesian government regarding the 2021-2060 Net Zero Emission Roadmap, where the commitment by 2050 will no longer be automotive manufacturers selling vehicles with internal fuel engines (conventional engines).

"Indonesia is the same, we can't go in that direction. Who said Honda was quiet, no, just wait for the right time. We continue to study this, the launch of a product must be adjusted to what is available, needs, and the market ," he continued. 

Honda Hybrid Car

Okay, if pure electric products are considered to need deeper research because they are related to infrastructure, why doesn't HPM try to sell hybrid cars first? Billy explained, basically they could just release the model, but then again, can it be accepted by consumers with a fairly high price gap.

"Yes, back to the consumer, would you like it or not at that price? The price with such technology (hybrid) can be Rp. 80 million to Rp. 100 million different from a regular gasoline engine. The point is to be patient, the right product at the right time. So again, no words too late, he explained.

To note, in the global market Honda has a variety of hybrid products. One of them is the Honda CR-V, Honda City, Honda Civic, to the Honda CR-Z

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Toyota Inaugurates xEV Center Facility, Center for Electrification Vehicle Studies

 Toyota continues to make preparations in order to welcome the electric vehicle competition in Indonesia. After showing the Innova EV (Electric Vehicle) concept car, PT Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indonesia (TMMIN) inaugurated the xEV Center electrification study center, Thursday (19/5/2022). The inauguration of this facility was directly carried out by the Ministry of Industry of the Republic of Indonesia in the presence of the Minister of Industry, Agus Gumiwang.

"In the midst of the government's efforts to create environmentally friendly vehicles, the construction of the xEV Center by TMMIN plays an important role in educating and inspiring the public, including the next generation, to innovate and develop electrification vehicle technology in the country. We hope that the Toyota xEV Center can become a catalyst for technology development and industrialization of electrified vehicles in Indonesia," said Agus in his remarks.

Warih Andang Tjahjono, President Director of PT TMMIN, said that the xEV Center is a tangible manifestation of the positive triple helix collaboration and synergy between the Government, Academics and the Automotive Industry. Toyota continues to fully support the government in its ongoing efforts to achieve its Carbon Neutrality targets. The presence of the xEV Center was developed as part of the ecosystem of the electrification era through public advocacy regarding various options and electricity technology.

"Toyota believes that carbon neutrality must have practical and sustainable solutions through various technology options such as vehicles with high fuel efficiency, flexi engines (bio-fuel), HEV, PHEV, BEV, and FCEV with hydrogen fuel according to consumer needs and conditions in Indonesia. , said Warih.

The xEV Center facility stands on an area of 600 square meters at the TMMIN Karawang 3 factory. The first phase of the construction process has been going on since July 2020. The architectural design of the xEV Center comes with a Triangle Shape pattern. It is inspired by the triple helix. The letter x in front of EV as an extension of electrification is a manifestation of the various electrification technologies that already exist. This is also to show the flexibility of electrified vehicles so that they can use various technologies such as hybrid, battery, plug-in, and fuel cell.

The xEC Center will later become an educational facility that is easily accessed by the public, from the government, academics, school students and the general public. The presence of the xEV Center aims to increase public awareness of the importance of achieving a greener environment through the presence of various electrification technologies in Indonesia.

Several facilities can be found at the xEV Center. In the first phase, it is focused on presenting various information related to electrification with various facilities. First, there are HEV, PHEV, BEV Showcase & Driving Experience. Second, there is the xEV cut body, the third is the xEV Main component which consists of the battery, power control unit, transaxle and the fourth part is the outdoor charging station. In order to make it easier for the public to understand the latest variety of information related to electrification, the detailed presentation is divided into several zones.

In Zone 1, environmental initiatives consist of an explanation of global environmental conditions. He also explained about the Paris Agreement which became the basis for the national target to achieve carbon neutrality. There is also an explanation of the energy roadmap in Indonesia to support efforts to create a greener environment. Including Toyota's participation in the Toyota Environmental Challenge 2050.

Zone 2 is the technology section. This zone consists of a video presentation of the ICE and xEV classifications. This is so that the public can easily understand the xEV vehicle transmission process. There are also xEV Cut Body displays like the Prius and Mirai. This is to describe the xEV vehicle energy simulation. The main components of electric vehicles are also explained through wallcharts and displays. Visitors can also use virtual reality and augmented reality.

In Zone 3, Green Ecosystem. This zone explains the concept of wheel to wheel emission for easy understanding. The xEV ecosystem, charging station types and electrical equipment are available here. PHEV vehicle displays and charging stations can be found. There is also the use of xEV as a power source and vehicle life cycle as well as the battery 3R process described here.

Zone 4, Sustainable society. This is the last zone in the xEV center which summarizes Toyota Indonesia's activities with the government and academia in realizing the transformation towards the era of electrification. This zone is Toyota's collaboration since 2018 with a number of universities in Indonesia, namely UI, LPEM UI, ITB, UGM, UNS, ITS, Udayana University and Diponegoro University.

In addition to the four zones, visitors can also feel the real experience and sensation of driving using various types of electrified vehicle technology options in the driving experience area. There is also a recharging facility via an outdoor charging station.

In the future, the xEV Center will upgrade its facilities as a Toyota Capability Center. This was done by expanding the Eco-Renewable Energy and Research area and followed by the Mobility area. The main focus of technology electrification in the first stage. Then green energy becomes the target in the second phase. Continue to mobility in the third phase. In the green technology phase, various technologies and facilities sourced from renewable energy such as hydroelectric power, windmills, waterwheels, hydrogen, and solar panels will be presented at the xEV Center. This is done to show the electrification ecosystem from upstream to downstream. In the mobility phase, there will be a showcase of the intelligent transport system.

"The xEV Center will become a learning facility, capability and research on electrification technology, green energy and mobility as a means for Indonesian human resources to deepen their understanding of the technology and ecosystem of the automotive industry in the future so that Indonesia continues to be an important part of the world automotive industry," said Bob Azam. , Director of Corporate Affairs of PT TMMIN.

Toyota Indonesia's step towards the era of electrification in Indonesia is carried out by considering many things, ranging from supply chain readiness, human resources to after-sales service. Toyota Indonesia believes that there must be practical and sustainable solutions by combining various options and technologies such as LCGC, flexy-engine, HEV, PHEV, BEV, and PHEV to suit the diverse needs of consumers.

The transition of human resources, technology, and supply chain readiness in facing the era of electrification is expected to increase national economic growth for the 1.5 million human resources in it from the upstream to downstream sectors.

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Beware Don't Be Wrong! Different Motor Oils for Automatic and Manual

 Automatic motors and gears are clearly different. Therefore, it needs a different lubricant. The mechanism of the transmission itself is very different from each other. Manual transmission uses a wet clutch, while the automatic motor uses a dry clutch. But no need to be confused in choosing. Because there are striking differences that can be recognized from the type of oil for automatic and non-matic motors. As explained by Pana Oil Indonesia below.

Reza Ben Ungerer, B2C Division Head of PT Pana Oil Indonesia said that if each oil was used for a different type of transmission, it would cause the motor's performance to not be optimal. For example, using oil for automatic scooters on manual motors. While the formula for scooter oil is made to reduce friction in engine components. Lubricants for scooters do not contain anti-slip clutch additives so that their character is more slippery. That way, the clutch slipping symptom has the potential to appear due to the absence of elements in the oil that have additive compounds that match the clutch lining so that it doesn't slip.

"In principle, oil for scooters was created to reduce friction between components in engine components," said Reza Ben in an official statement.

The first and easiest way, to find out the difference between automatic and manual motor oil specifications. It can be seen from the JASO MA code. If there is a code, it confirms that the oil is made with a formula that is suitable for wet clutch or manual transmission motors. The code is JASO MB for use on automatic motorcycles.

Another thing that can easily be done to find out the type of oil is to look at the thickness. Motors with manual transmissions require thicker oil so that clutch performance is more precise.

"You should really understand well all the codes on the oil packaging so that the vehicle's performance can be maximized," concluded Reza Ben.

PanaOil Range of Two Wheel Lubricants

Speaking of types of motor oil, PanaOil itself offers four choices. Each one is; PanaOil SP5 Synthetic Matic 10W-30, PanaOil SP5 Synthetic Matic 10W-40, PanaOil SP5 Synthetic Manual 10W-40, and PanaOil SP5 Synthetic Manual 20W-50.

Each PanaOil SP5 product, which is entirely synthetic oil, also has a special formula called Engine Power Protection Technology. A technology that will provide maximum protection for engine components from the potential for erosion or wear that arises due to mechanical and chemical processes while the engine is working.

PT Pana Oil Indonesia in particular does formulate its lubricant products with the standardization of JASO (Japan Automotive Standard Organization). The standardization details more specifically the needs of the motor formula.

For information, the launch of JASO T903 in 1998 has officially made JASO the global standard for 4-stroke engine oil. Then JASO MB is the lubricant specification for scooter engines, and JASO MA2 is the highest specification for lubricants for motorcycle engines with wet clutches.

Users of two-wheeled vehicles can already get SP5 Oil from PanaOil throughout Indonesia. No need to worry if you haven't had time to visit the nearest oil outlet or repair shop. Because SP5 oil can also be obtained online. There is already a PanaOil Official Store in two well-known e-commerce stores, so you can buy it anytime and anywhere.

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Official Comeback, Subaru Indonesia Launches All New Forester AWD

 The opportunity to revive in the Indonesian market is not to be wasted. After leaving Than Chong Group, PT Plaza Auto Mega (PAM) as the new Subaru Brand Holder Agent (APM) in the country officially launched the all new Forester on Wednesday (18/5).

The Subaru Forester, which was launched in the domestic market, is the 5th generation that has received significant updates in terms of exterior, interior design, feature enhancements, and also the pacemaker.

As a business penetration at the beginning, Subaru Indonesia offers 2 different variants for consumers in the country. The first is the Forester 2.0i-L for IDR 579.5 million and the Forester 2.0i-S EyeSight for IDR 659.5 million. The entire price set is already on the road in the Jakarta area.

Subaru Indonesia's Chief Operating Officer, Arie Christopher said, "Subaru's return to Indonesia is strengthened by better sales and after-sales services. The launch of the all new Forester today was followed by the inauguration of the 3S strategy (service, sales, and spare parts).

"This year itself is the 25th Anniversary of the Subaru Forester model, and we have the opportunity to introduce the latest version of the 2022 Model Year which was also just introduced in various parts of the world earlier this year, not long ago for Indonesia," said Arie at Plaza Subaru, Alam Sutera, South Tangerang, Wednesday (18/5).

With all the capital brought by the latest generation of Forester, Arie is quite confident that this car will become a new benchmark in its class. Broadly speaking, Subaru's unique DNA is present in a thick manner, and this is said to be the selling point that loyalists and consumers in Indonesia want.

"With the latest Subaru Core Technology such as the Subaru Global Platform, BOXER Engine and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with the new X-Mode, as well as the premiere of the 4th generation Subaru EyeSight active safety system, we are confident that the all-new Subaru Forester will become a new benchmark in its class, a daily SUV that is safe and comfortable, and has reliable off-road capabilities," he continued.

So what are the advantages of this AWD driven SUV? Below we will present it in full.

Exterior of All New Subaru Forester

Okay from the design, to be precise the exterior on the front. All of them come with new visuals, in the lighting sector, they are equipped with a new model with the C-Shape design plus Daytime Running Light (DRL). The headlights have adopted adaptive beam technology 

The black grille is quite large and more boxy with a visually attractive grille. While at the bottom it is equipped with fog lamps and under guard flat panels which are claimed to offer good aerodynamics, additional engine protection from foreign objects, and increased cabin tightness.

While from the side, the typical boxy design of the Forester is still maintained. The DNA of the SUV is strong with the application of roof rails, over fenders, to side skirts. The design of the wheels is sport, but the EyeSight variant is equipped with 18-inch wheels and the cheapest variant uses 17 inches.

On the back, again, a boxy design is also presented. The stop lamp is LED with a silhouette of the letter C, there is a spoiler that blends with the body, and the use of a special diffuser for the highest variant.

Interior All New Subaru Forester

Turning to the cabin, a sporty, luxurious feel is present on the Forester. Almost all materials use soft touch materials with all-black shades.

The seats are covered in Nappa leather which is equipped with an electric seat with memory. Interestingly, all variants of the Forester are equipped with this technology.

Then for the rear seat is equipped with hand-rest components, cup-holders, and can be laid down according to the needs of the passengers.

For entertainment support, the Subaru Forester has embedded an 8-inch head unit with Apple Carplay and Android Auto connectivity. Then there is also an instrument cluster with 2 dials and one LED screen for interactive information.

Complete Features of the All New Subaru Forester

Present to fill a premium SUV, the all new Forester is armed with many advanced features. The highlight is the ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) device or what Subaru calls EyeSight.

Of course, this semi-autonomous safety technology only exists in the most expensive variant. Below is a summary of Forester's advanced safety features.

     Adaptive Cruise Control
     Pre-Collision Braking
     Pre-Collision Throttle Management
     Lead Vehicle Start Alert
     Lane Departure Warning
     Lane Away Warning
     Lane Keeping Assist
     Subaru Rear Vehicle Detection.

The rest of this car is also equipped with several other features such as a sunroof, power back door, audio by Harman Kardon (especially for the EyeSight variant), and a driving mode that Subaru calls X-Mode.

Kitchen All New Subaru Forester

Behind the bonnet, this SUV is crammed with a Boxer petrol engine with a 180° symmetric axle layout containing a 2,000 cc cylinder. The engine is capable of delivering maximum power of up to 156 PS at 6,000 rpm and peak torque of up to 196 Nm at 4,000 rpm.

Furthermore, he uses a 7-speed Lineartronic CVT transmission and Active Torque Split AWD for a smooth and even distribution of power in all revs and road conditions. Shifting gears can also be done manually via paddle shifts on the steering wheel.

All New Subaru Forester Platform

In its introduction, the fifth generation Subaru Forester is built on the Subaru Global platform. This construction is claimed to be 1 level more safety than the previous construction.

The Subaru Global Platform enables up to 40% better impact absorption, up to 50% reduced body roll, and up to 70% increased rigidity to provide passengers with a sense of security, dynamic driving impression and comfort.

Delivery in August

If you are interested in buying one of the all new Subaru Forester variants, APM said the unit can be ordered today with an estimated arrival in your garage in August 2022.

Meanwhile, there are quite a lot of color choices available. The options are Jasper Metallic, Horizon Blue Pearl, Crimson Red Pearl, Sepia Bronze Metallic, Dark Gray Metallic, Crystal Black Silica, Ice Silver Metallic, and Crystal White Pearl.

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