Features on new Japanese models: more availability of pre-crash brakes

Pre-stop start-stop system and floor under-cover improve fuel efficiency

2012/03/22

Summary

 Reported below is a summary of features on new passenger car models that were released for sale in Japan by Japanese OEMs from May 2011 to April 2012 (as announced through February 2012). The new passenger cars (all-new models and some new derivatives) counted 15 models in total (other than the cars produced on an OEM basis), including 5 under the Toyota brand, 1 under Lexus, 3 under Honda, 2 each under Suzuki and Fuji Heavy, and 1 each under Mazda and Daihatsu.

 Among systems addressing driving performance (including fuel efficiency), the ESC (Electronic Stability Control) that prevents skidding is a standard feature on nearly all models including compact cars and mini-vehicles (in Japan, the installation of ESC will become compulsory for all new models other than mini-vehicles in October 2012 and for mini-vehicle models in October 2014). An active rear-wheel steering is a newly-added feature in the integrated control system that controls ESC and the electric steering system. Equipment intending higher fuel efficiency includes an anticipating start-stop system that stops the engine before the car comes to a stop, and a floor under-cover that improves the car's aerodynamic performance.

 Preventive safety systems to support driving are also becoming more available. The pre-crash brake automatically applies the brakes when a potential collision is detected, and the AT unintended start suppression system prevents accidents caused by pressing the wrong pedal in parking areas. The newly available systems for enhanced visibility include headlamps that use LEDs in both low- and high-beam lamps, and systems that automatically switch between low- and high-beams.

 Equipment of increased availability addressing comfort includes the air conditioning with an electric compressor that keeps the air conditioner running while the engine has stopped. Equipment for increased convenience includes the telematics systems for using real-time information from other moving cars.

Related reports: Equipment on new European models (1) (October 2011), (2) (October 2011),
Equipment on new US models (April 2011),
Equipment on new Hyundai/Kia models (June 2011)

Advanced equipment made available by Japanese automakers in their new models

(New models launched in Japan from May 2011 to April 2012)
Equipment Models
Driving
performance
(including
fuel efficiency)
ESC All models (other than Suzuki Alto Eco)
Active rear-wheel steering Lexus GS
Floor under-cover Toyota 86, Toyota Prius PHV, Toyota Camry,
Toyota Prius α, Honda Fit Shuttle, Mazda CX-5, Subaru BRZ
Start-stop system Honda N BOX, Mazda CX-5, Subaru Impreza,
Suzuki Alto Eco, Daihatsu Mira e:S
Driving assist Pre-crash brakes Toyota Prius PHV, Toyota Prius α, Lexus GS,
Mazda CX-5, Subaru Impreza
AT unintended start suppression system Mazda CX-5, Subaru Impreza
Visibility High/low-beam LED headlamp Lexus GS
Automatic High Beam Lexus GS
Comfort Automatic air conditioning with
electric inverter compressor
Toyota Prius PHV, Toyota Aqua, Toyota Camry,
Toyota Prius α, Lexus GS
Convenience Telematics systems using
real-time information
Toyota 86, Toyota Prius PHV, Toyota Prius α,
Lexus GS, Honda CR-V, Honda Fit Shuttle, Subaru Impreza

(Note) Only the gasoline-fueled models are counted as cars on which start-stop systems are available (other than HV, PHV).

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