Features on new models in the Japanese market: ESC installations increase on compacts and mini cars

Installations on the rise on fuel-efficient eco-mode and idling stop systems

2011/02/18

Summary
Toyota installs S-VSC on Ractis and idling stop system on Vitz
Honda installs eco-assist and shift-up/down indicator on CR-Z
Nissan installs advanced driving support functions on Elgrand and Serena
Mazda, Mitsubishi, Suzuki, and Daihatsu: Main features on the new models launched from 2010 to the beginning of 2011

Summary

Reported below is a summary of major equipment on new passenger cars launched by Japanese OEMs in the Japanese domestic market from 2010 to the beginning of 2011. The new passenger cars counted 18 models composed of newly introduced models and fully redesigned models, including four (Toyota brand) and one (Lexus brand) models from Toyota, two models from Honda, five from Nissan, three from Suzuki, one model each from Mazda, Mitsubishi and Daihatsu (excluding the models produced on an OEM basis).

Among driving stability equipment, the ESC (Electronic Stability Control), which prevents skidding, has been increasingly installed in compact cars and mini cars. In Japan, the installation of ESC will become compulsory for registered vehicles and for mini cars starting in October 2012 and in October 2014, respectively. Regarding collision safety, front-seat side airbags and curtain airbags have been widely installed.

Among driving support functions, standard installation of hill start assist, which assists the start of a vehicle on a slope, has increased. Regarding enhanced visibility features, the installation of auto lighting system, which automatically turns on and turns off headlamps according to brightness outside of a vehicle, has increased.

Regarding seats, there has been an increasing trend to install driver-seat heaters. For comfort and convenience, the installation of the eco-mode function, which controls the engine and CVT as well as air conditioner with emphasis on fuel consumption, and an idling stop system has increased.

Japanese OEMs: Main features on the new models launched in Japanese domestic market from 2010 to January 2011

Equipped as standard on all grades

Equipment		Models equipped
Driving stability	ESC	Toyota FJ Cruiser, Lexus CT200h, Honda CR-Z, Nissan Leaf, Nissan Elgrand
Collision safety	Front-seat side/curtain airbags	Toyota FJ Cruiser, Lexus CT200h, Nissan Leaf, Nissan Elgrand
Driving support	Hill start assist	Lexus CT200h
Visibility	Auto lighting system	Lexus CT200h, Nissan Leaf, Nissan Serena, Nissan Elgrand
Seat	Driver-seat heater	Lexus CT200h, Suzuki Solio
Convenience	Eco mode	Lexus CT200h, Honda CR-Z, Nissan Serena, Nissan Elgrand

Equipped as standard on some grades

Equipment		Models equipped
Driving stability	ESC	Toyota Vitz, Honda Freed Spike, Nissan Serena, Nissan Juke, Mazda Premacy, Mitsubishi RVR, Suzuki Swift
Collision safety	Front-seat side/curtain airbags	Honda Freed Spike, Suzuki Swift
Driving support	Hill start assist	Honda CR-Z, Nissan Serena, Mitsubishi RVR
Visibility	Auto lighting system	Toyota Vitz, Toyota Ractis, Honda Freed Spike, Honda CR-Z, Nissan March, Nissan Juke, Mazda Premacy, Mitsubishi RVR
Seat	Driver-seat heater	Toyota Vitz, Nissan Elgrand, Suzuki MR wagon, Suzuki Swift
Convenience	Idling stop system	Toyota Vitz, Nissan Serena, Nissan March, Mazda Premacy, Daihatsu Move
Convenience	Eco mode	Daihatsu Move

Equipped as optional

Equipment		Models equipped
Driving stability	ESC	Toyota Ractis, Toyota Passo, Suzuki MR wagon
Collision safety	Front-seat side/curtain airbags	Toyota Vitz, Toyota Ractis, Toyota Passo, Honda CR-Z, Nissan Juke, Mazda Premacy, Mitsubishi RVR, Suzuki MR wagon
Driving support	Pre-crash system safety system	Lexus CT200h, Nissan Elgrand
Driving support	Radar cruise control	Lexus CT200h, Nissan Elgrand
Seat	Driver-seat heater	Honda CR-Z, Mitsubishi RVR