Best Car Singapore Issue 7 Preview

JUNE 2011S$6.00

BEST SCOOP

MITSUBISHI’S NEW LANCER EVOLUTION

CONCEPT CARS TURNED RETAIL MODELSBEST EVENTSEOUL MOTOR SHOW

WW

W.B

ES

TCA

R.S

G

W0910-71 / Vivian #175

MIMOTO’S AUTOMOTIVE SCRAPBOOK VOL. 1SERIAL FEATURE:

BEST GOURMETBEST A-LIST

JAPAN’S NO.1 CAR MAGAZINE TURNS INTO SINGAPORE!

帰りなさいませ、

ご主人様！(WELCOME BACK, MASTER!)

PG108Free Gifts!

BEST WHIZBANGS

新戦力スバル

BEST SHOWDOWN

KOJI “PRINCE” AOYAMA, TAKES PORSCHE 911 GT3 FOR A SPIN

RAYS, JAPAN’S PREMIER WHEEL MANUFACTURER

FT-86II

VS THE WORLD!JAPAN

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 aircraft-quality 304 and 441 stainless steel. The muffler features low resistance and high-flow 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!

www.facebook.com/bestcar.sg

“LIKE” BEST CAR SINGAPORE ON

FACEBOOK BY 30 JUNE AND

STAND A CHANCE TO WIN A REMUS MUFFLER WORTH

$1,280!

スクープ

BESTSCOOP6 SCRUTINISING SUBARU

Subaru’s new sports model is not the only trick it has up its sleeve.

12 MITSUBISHI’S THEORY OF EVOLUTION Mitsubishi plans to continue its high performance legacy with the next Lancer Evolution.

16 PREVIEWING THE PIONEERSSeveral Japanese concept cars rocked the Geneva Auto Show, and are soon arriving to a showroom near you!

イベント

BESTEVENTS22 SEOUL MOTOR SHOW

(AND TELL) Korean cars are poised to scale the automotive heights and leave their Japanese counterparts behind.

デビュー

BESTDEBUTANT26 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!

レポート

BESTREPORT-O!28 BEST CAR’S 2011~2014

PERFECT SCOOP! Despite all adversity, Japanese automakers are keen to meet the challenge of developing excellent cars.

48 HE SAYS, SHE SAYS Japanese housewives are now more involved in their families’ automotive decisions.

If you have a story to tell, or would like to contribute to Best Car, drop us an email at [email protected].

We Are Looking...

CONTENTSTABL

E OF

目次

6

26

1248

キーパーソン

BESTA-LIST80 FUN CAR LABORATORY VOL. 7

With Nissan busily launching one car after another, Terry Itoh investigates the appeal of its March and Juke.

82 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

BESTWHIZBANGS: CARS88 RAYS’ NEXT RACE

Japan’s premier wheel manufacturer intends to cater to Continental cars.

90 A CLEANER FUTURE AutoDiesel Turbo Fuel Systems Pte Ltd aids in the pursuit of a cleaner future, one diesel engine at a time.

ガジェット：ライフスタイル

BESTWHIZBANGS: LIFESTYLE92 HOT REELS

What do you do when life gets you down? Take a page from these heroes’ books and strike back!

93 HOT PLAYLIST These lovely ladies prove that behind every sweet-looking girl is a rock star waiting to be unleashed.

ファッション

BESTRUNWAY94 THE YOUNG ‘UNS!

Fresh faces and fresh places.

102 FOR HIM/HER Painting the town black... and white.

ライフスタイル

BESTLIFESTYLE104 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

BESTGOURMET106 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

BESTGIFTS108 FREEBIES R US

You Like, we give, you take.

対決

BESTSHOWDOWN52 PRIDE AND PERFORMANCE

In spite of the tsunami, Japanese automakers prove that they are just as strong as ever.

特集

BESTFEATURE64 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 THENMimoto recounts the humble origins and the subsequent rise of some of the Japanese automotive industry’s greatest names.

9482

10688

SUBARU

1BEST SCOOP

SCRUTINIS ING スバル新戦力

SUBARUSUBARU WILL BE LAUNCHING ITS OWN VERSION OF THE HIGHLY ANTICIPATED FT-86II, 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!

6 BEST CAR ISSUE 07

SUBARU

スクープ

SUBARU FT-86IIAt 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 develop-ment of upgraded variants. The question remains as to how each automaker will distin-guish 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 de-tailing. 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 exces-sively 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

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.

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.

JUNE 2011 7

2BEST SCOOP

MITSUBISHI’S THEORY OF

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.

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 Evolu-tion, 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,

PRESENT ING THE NEXT GENERAT ION LANCER EVOLUT ION

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.

ランエボ開発復活！？

Since 2010, Mitsubishi has ceased all its motorsports activities, from the develop-ment 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 consum-ers, Mitsubishi will continue to develop its renowned Lancer Evolution as a high perfor-mance model. As such, the next generation will not just be a modification of the current model, but will adopt an entirely new ap-proach with its automaker’s newly developed

12 BEST CAR ISSUE 07

スクープ

the engine can also be used to power the vehicle.

In contrast, Lancer Evolution will prob-ably 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 ex-pected 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 de-velopment 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 perfor-mance technologies!

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.

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.

OVERALL STRUCTURE OF MITSUBISHI’S PLUG-IN HYBRID SYSTEM

Generator

Front inverter

Clutch Front Motor Transmission

Transmission Rear Motor

Rear inverter

Fuel tank Engine

MITSUBISHI LANCER EVOLUTION EXPECTED SPECIFICATIONS**

Overall length 4450mmOverall width 1800mmOverall height 1450mmWheel base 2650mm

Engine DI 1.6ℓ Gasoline/4-cylinderDOHC

Displacement 1600cc

Maximum power 180bhp/6500rpm + Electric Motor

Maximum torque 25.5kgm/3000rpm + Electric Motor

Transmission CVT

Price* ¥3.5~4 million

* 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.

PERFECT SCOOP!Japan’s economic recovery is partly dependent upon the strength of its automotive industry. Thankfully, Japanese automakers are keen to meet the challenge!

BEST CAR’S

2011~2014

BEST REPORT–O!レポート

The trend at the Geneva Auto Show was “sports cars with reduced carbon emis-sions”. The European automakers’ sudden eco-friendly shift is a result of the European Union’s proposed carbon emission regula-tions, 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) sys-tem to reduce emissions by 15 percent.

Before the current global financial crisis

began, Japanese automakers were develop-ing more sports models. Lexus was research-ing 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

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-

すべて出るニューカーパーフェクトスクープ

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.

The new 4WD Ferrari 458 Italia is equipped with the HELE system, which improves fuel consumption by 15 percent.

Unveiled at the 2007 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), Toyota’s FT-HS replaces its Supra.

Lexus LFA will retail this year. Speculation is rife that its second generation will be a hybrid, but this has yet to be confirmed.

SPORTS CARS: An Uncertain View of the

Future


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 com-pacts—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 GRMN-

tuned 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 high-end 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 fea-tures 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

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 can-not wait for the innovations in store for the higher-end options!

NISSAN GT-R Launching Late 2011 Expected Price: ¥8~15 million*

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.

Honda’s new project is to supply its hybrid CR-Z with a supercharger. This signals a bright future for its sports cars.

Nissan’s strategy is to release more supercharged sports models. Aside from March Supercharger, a turbocharged Tiida will also retail.

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.

SUBARU FT-86 STI W I T H T U R B O C H A R G E R

Launching Late 2012 Expected Price: ¥3.5 million*

* Prices are only indicative of the Japanese automotive market. For local pricing, please contact the relevant dealerships.JUNE 2011 29

NOW

Everyautomotivebestsellerhasastorytotellaboutitsascenttofame,andKazuhikoMimotorecountsthehumbleoriginsandthesubsequentriseofsomeoftheindustry’sgreatestnames.

ThenAND

TEXT • KAZUHIKO MIMOTO

BEST FEATURE

特集

SUZUKI CULTUS AND SWIFTRetailed 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. Addition-ally, it had to cultivate a lucrative market for its exports. So in 1981, Suzuki signed an agree-ment 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 memo-rable, 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 skyrock-eted. 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

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. Un-fortunately, it had lost the original’s trademark character.

Launched in 2000, the original Swift could not be more different from Cultus. Enthusi-asts 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 ex-tensively 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 in-evitably begins with City. Launched in 1981, City measured only 3380mm x 1570mm x

1470mm—the standing joke was that pas-sengers 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 automo-tive considerations: fuel efficiency, compact-ness, and affordability. The Type R variant cost ¥780,000*—not as inexpensive as Suzuki Cultus, but still reasonable.

(To inject some excitement into the mar-ket, 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 suc-cess. 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 produc-tive.

The second generation City had a “crouching” design that was utterly different from its predecessor. It had a 16-valve engine

SwiftSport,2ndGeneration(2005~onwards)

SwiftSport,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.

日本の名車歴史と現在・・未来

Suzuki Cultus (1983~2002) and Swift (2000~onwards) catapulted the automaker to global automotive renown.

In the World of Motorsports


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 sur-passed 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 notice-ably more comfortable than before and easier to drive. A hybrid variant will be released in October.

CULTUS (ORIGINAL) (1983~1988)CULTUS CRESCENT (1995~2002)

ORIGINAL SWIFT (2000~2006)

SWIFT, 2ND GENERATION (2004~2010)

SWIFT, 3RD GENERATION (2010~ONWARDS)

CULTUS, 2ND GENERATION (1988~1999)

CULTUS GTI, 2ND GENERATION (1988)

SWIFT SPORT, 2ND GENERATION (2005)

ORIGINAL CULTUS GTI (1983)

ORIGINAL SWIFT SPORT (2003)

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)

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)

Overall length x overall width x overall height: 3615mm x 1600mm x 1540mm 1.3ℓ Inline-4 DOHC (88bhp/12kgm) Price: ¥1.2 million* (SG with 4-AT)

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)

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)

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*.

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.

With the goal of producing a low-cost 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.

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.)

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, the convertible option was the first Suzuki car to receive CVT.

The new Cultus GTi retained its predecessor’s engine but received 14-inch tyres and full-time 4WD. It cost ¥1.26 million*.

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*.

The 730kg hot hatch Cultus GTi had a 1.3ℓ DOHC engine that generated 115bhp. It cost ¥1.25 million*.

The renowned 930kg Swift Sport has a specially tuned 1.5ℓ DOHC engine that generates 115bhp. It costs ¥1.2 million*.

CITY MANHATTAN ROOF (1982)

FIT RS (2007~ONWARDS)

Manhattan Roof was 100mm longer than the original City. Its high roof improved accommodation.

The 1.5ℓ Fit RS with 5-speed manual transmission closely resembles the original Civic RS.

FIT ARIA (2002~2009)

MOTOCOMPO (1982~1985)

Based on the original Fit, the Fit Aria sedan was manufactured in Thailand. The 1.3 A variant cost ¥1.2 million*.

Motocompo was only 1185mm long and weighed 42kg. It could easily fit into City’s trunk.

CITY R MANHATTAN SOUND (1984)

CIVIC PRO (1981~1986)

R Manhattan Sound boasted a high roof and large stereo speakers.

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*.

Popular

●

●●

●

●●

●

●●

●

●●

●

●●

●

●●

Honda City Variants

Popular

Popular

* 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–L ISTキーパーソン

ALTHOUGHPORSCHEHASSTARTED

RETAILING4-DOORMODELS

ANDSUVS,ITSBAN

NERBEARERISSTI

LL911,WHICHWASFIRST

LAUNCHEDIN1963.PROUDPORSCHE-LOVER,KO

JI“PRINCE”

AOYAMA,TAKESPORSCHE911G

T3FORASPIN.

SUPERスーパー

CarlifeSUPERCarlife

VOL. 5


It 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 RSR-type 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 appeal-ing 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.”

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 tur-bocharged and naturally-aspirated (NA) vari-ants, Aoyama said that he preferred the latter.

911’S EXCELLENT DESIGN IS

INTACT EVEN AFTER A SERIES OF REVAMPS.

This is definitely not an ordinary rear spoiler!

The lip spoiler improves 911’s nose’s stability.

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.

JUNE 2011 83

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


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

THEYOUNG ’UNS

LOCATION • ROYAL PLAZA ON SCOTTS

BEST RUNWAY > FOR H IMファッション：メンズ

STY

LIST

• V

ER

NA

TA

N

PH

OTO

GR

AP

HY

•

LA

WR

EN

CE

@ L

UM

INA

PH

OTO

GR

AP

HY

ASSIS

TED

BY

•

VIC

TO

R A

ND

BU

RTO

N

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

Left to right:

Parco Marina Bay #P2-21 Millenia Walk


To our delight, we learned that

Okaerinasaimase, goshujinsama! means

“Welcome back, master!” at Cawaii Koohii.

BEST GOURMETグルメ

Makiyo brews a delicious cup of Sumiyaki UCC Roast ($11.80), a popular Japanese coffee, using the Siphon technique.

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.

お帰りなさいませ、

ご主人様！

PHOTOGRAPHY • JEP BARRERA


BEST G IFTSギフト

Freebies R US

You Like, we give, you take.

Like us on Facebook

before 30 June and

stand to win one of

these prizes!

Upforgrabs:5!

Honda Insight umbrella

Mysterious Café

*Terms&conditionsapply

Murano wine opener

Upforgrabs:10!

Anthony Hair Boutique

Upforgrabs:two $50 vouchers for men, two $100 vouchers for women

Upforgrabs:10 $50 dining vouchers*

www.facebook.com/bestcar.sg


Best Car Singapore Issue 7 Preview

Documents