Toyota Belta ( Japanese Vios )

 

 The Toyota Vios is the best selling non-national brand in Malaysia. From its first generation, this model has been accepted well by Malaysian thanks to its fuel efficient engine and off course for its badge which is carrying top notch quality, reliability and longevity. Although its been taxed heavily, more and more people are not able to resist for its aforementioned characteristic. We believe some of you are not aware that the same Vios model is sold in Japan bringing Belta name instead of Vios. However, sale figure are not much as in our country as Japanese are tend to buy big sedans, MPV and one box car including 'Kei' type. We bring to you how the Belta looks like compare to our current Vios.

We can say basically there were not much different term of exterior styling compare to our Vios. The sleek and bold lines give muscular appearance and makes the car looks bigger in the eyes. This is 1.0l model mated with 4speed auto transmission. The rim cover remind us the pre-facelift J grade but it was designed better. 

 

The interior also has no different from local Vios. This is pre-facelift so that we are easily identify it from its round center steering wheel design. The facelifted version has much better looking steering wheel. Center mounted meter cluster might hinder some of potential buyer but Toyota perhaps want to stand out from the crowd with Vios model. Probably, the 3rd generation that will launch in Thailand soon will have the meter cluster mount on driver side. That's much better.

The Belta is sold in Japan with many variant, with engine capacity from 1.0l to 1.5l mated with 4AT, CVT or 5MT. It also has selection of 2WD or 4WD something we feel unnecessary with this model. We hope Toyota to continue produce this car for the masses with more better styling and load of offerings. Cheers!

 

Honda Integra Type R DC5

Hi all! Welcome back to Japanese car review blog. Sorry for not updating this for quite long time. Admin was very busy recently. This time we brought to you review of another Japan's popular performance car, the Honda Integra Type R from Northern Osaka Metropolis. This is facelifted second generation of Integra Type R with codename DC5.

Honda designer done very good job on the styling aspect, makes the car looks more sharper than model its replaced. The headlamp is big combined with X shape front bumper give the car looks sharp and wider make its road presence more noticeable. The standard wheel is 17 inch multispoke rim with white paint match perfectly with side profile. The rear combination lamp is also made wider and with round shape resemble fighter jet exhaust, something common in performance car design. 

 

While it looks standard from the outside, the interior tells different story. Many aftermarket parts were fitted on its instrument panel. Steering wheel also been changed to MOMO drift steering. Defi meter and control unit for water temp, oil temp and oil pressure was also fitted. Overall interior design is rather simple compare to other Honda's but it just enough for car that intended for performance.

 

This 2nd generation Integra Type R received engine upgrade which uses 2000cc compare to 1800cc for 1st generation. The transmission also was upgraded to 6 speed manual from 5 speed manual previously. The K20A engine on its engine bay churn maximum 220bhp and 206Nm torque makes this car is lightning quick. This car is very popular among tuning fan and its engine can be tweaked further for more power.

Subaru Impreza WRX Automatic With STi Bodykit

Hi, welcome back to Japanese Car Review blog. We believe all of car fan knows about the Impreza, one of Subaru's core model. This time we got 2nd generation Impreza WRX Automatic from Toyota City, Aichi prefecture. The owner of this Impreza already upgraded to STI bodykit. Impreza, long known as Lancer Evolution arch rival, debut the automatic version to counter the Lancer, which at that time launched its 1st ever automatic version called Lancer Evolution GT-A. The2nd generation marked 'new age' of the Impreza however it was debut with odd round shape headlamp before this 1st facelift is out.

From the front, the STI bodykit changes the overall front look. Front lip with fog lamp cover with STI trademark printed on it give this Impreza more serious business. The big air scoop of bonnet wants to tell others that the turbo engine under the bonnet. Unlike the Lancer Evolution, its intercooler is located on top of engine instead at front bumper.

 

Rear design is conventional with big rear combi lamp good for follower visibility. The STI rear spoiler is big and enough to increase stability on tight cornering. Side profile remain typical 4 door sedan with high roof line make it roomier and practical. The black color 17 inch wheel really suit the body color.

Driver cockpit is simple but practical.Steering wheel mounted high for better driving position and to reduce back stiff. Seat uses semi bucket type more grip during tight cornering. Like the lancer Evolution, stock Impreza doesn't come with any meter gauges on its center console. Black interior give the Impreza more stain proof and hygiene.

Impreza WRX 2nd generation uses EJ20T boxer type engine, producing 200hp and 260Nm torque at maximum. The Impreza alongside with Lancer Evolution is one of famous machine in rallying world. Automatic car also can be fun and this one of the example. Next time, we will bring you Lancer Evolution GT-A which also the 1st Lancer Evolution to use automatic transmission. Stay with us.

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI

 

Hi, welcome back to Japanese Car Review blog. This time we bring you another legendary model from Japan for your reading and viewing pleasure. The car is standard stock Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI from Kyoto, Japan. The word 'evolution' describes changes of something and for the case for this Lancer, it evolves from its very 1st generation model and until now, if not mistaken current Lancer Evolution has entered its 10th generation. As its previous model, it retained most of the design of Evolution V. It has big and wide front head lamp to give wider and more road presence. 17 inch OZ rally wheel as stock standard.

The different of Evolution V and VI are on its body kit shape although it shares the same platform and engine with the V. It also got better engine tuning and larger intercooler to increase engine durability. From the side view, side profiles flow gradually from the back to front where its bring sharper styling combine with sets of over fender for front and rear wheel house which cement its muscular image . Rear spoiler is big enough to provide down force on tight cornering.

Instrument panel is simple and practical with all button on center console are within reach. The steering is from MOMO with SRS airbag brings rallying feel into the cabin while not compromising on driver's safety. Steering wheel also positioned higher for better driving position although woman driver may find it a little bit uncomfortable. Stock Lancer Evolution doesn't provide integrated turbo boost, oil pressure gauge unlike in Nissan Skyline GT-R. 

The Japanese is very good in designing sport car that never omit its family practicality. The Lancer is suitable for family man who likes to own power and practical car for day to day activity. The legroom at rear bench is ample and can sit 3 easily.

Lancer Evolution VI uses 4G63 turbo engine developed by Mitsubishi. Stock engine churns out 280hp and 373Nm torque make acceleration lightning quick and fun to drive. 4WD system provide more grip on tarmac for better stability. The Lancer has been very successful in world rally thanks to its power and durability. In the next post, we bring to you story of Subaru Impreza, the Lancer Evolution all time rival. Thanks for reading.

Nissan Skyline GT-R R33 Top Secret

Nissan Skyline GT-R is no doubt one of most popular Japanese sports car ever made. In fact it already become an icon and legend and popular among car modification enthusiast around the globe. Starting the new era design from R32 model, its popularity jumped dramatically. Here we got picture of R32 predecessor, a 1997 R33 with Top Secret body kit and minor tuning from Adachi Ward, Tokyo Metropolis.

From the front, spot its big turbo Greddy aluminum intercooler in the middle of front bumper, enough to cool down its twin turbo charger unit. The GT-R emblem fits nicely at the front grill. The headlamp also big and wide to give more road presence and wider look.

Rear design of this GT-R inherit the R32, with iconic double rear combination lamp resemble fighter jet exhaust. The big exhaust muffler is made by Nismo. Its rear wing also sit nicely although it looks more cosmetic rather than providing down force during sharp cornering. 18 inch Rays TE37 rims combined with Tein adjustable suspension make the car lowered and the wheel is big enough to fit its huge wheel housing for better looking.

Inside the cockpit, the steering wheel is standard with srs airbag and the remaining of the instrument panel is remained untouched except the after market Defi meter for boost, combustion and exhaust temperature in addition to standard meter located above the head unit. Front seat also changed to Sparco full bucket seat for more grip.

Lastly, the engine bay. The RB26DETT engine is still stock engine with after market air cleaner and front piping. The stock engine still enough to churn more than 200 horses power make it one of the most powerful engine produced by Nissan. 

Welcome To Japanese Car Review Blog

 

Hi. Welcome to Japanese Car Review Blog. This blog will review Japanese make cars especially their super cars. This blog is establish base on admin deep interest in automotive. Why admin chose Japanese Car simply because Japan is the largest automobile maker in the world. Company like Toyota, Nissan and Honda all have gigantic production volume and have many manufacturing site outside Japan. The most important thing is their design, especially their performance car, looks very good and attractive. Even though it carries performance tag, the ergonomic does not sacrificed. From today, admin will do review on Japanese car like Nissan Skyline, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Subaru Impreza and many more. Please feel free to visit this blog in future for Japanese car information.