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 |
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 |
Radar cruise control | Lexus CT200h, Nissan Elgrand | |
Seat | Driver-seat heater | Honda CR-Z, Mitsubishi RVR |
(Note) As for models with an idling stop system, only gasoline-powered vehicles are included (excluding HEVs and EVs).
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