Mazda Introduces Revised 2012 Demio with new SKYACTIV-G 1.3-Liter Engine in Japan

Mazda has just released a refreshed version of its Demio sub-compact car in its home market of Japan. The big news for the 2012MY Demio, which we know here as the Mazda2, is the introduction of the brand new “13-SKYACTIV” model grade equipped with a suite of fuel-saving technologies most important of which is the “SKYACTIV-G 1.3” 1.3-liter direct-injection gasoline engine.

The four-cylinder powerplant features a record high compression ratio of 14.0:1 and puts out 84-horsepower at 5,400 rpm and 112 Nm (82.6 lb-ft) of peak torque at 4,000 rpm. It is coupled to a standard Continuously Variable Transmission and according to the Japanese norms, it’s fuel economy is rated at 30km/lt (equal to 3.33 lt/100 km or 70.6 mpg US).

The Demio 13-SKYACTIV comes equipped with an improved i-stop (start and stop) system and unique to this model aero-parts such as an engine under cover and a rear roof spoiler to control airflow above and below the body. Other bespoke features include a blue metallic engine cover, blue headlight rings and an exclusive rear badge.

On the more gimmicky side, Mazda developed a system named i-DM that monitors the movement of the steering wheel, accelerator and brake pedals, as well as the vehicle speed, to inform the driver about his skills through a gauge and colored lights on the dashboard. “The score from each trip is used to calculate a driving skill level, from Stage 1 to Stage 3. By progressing through the stages, drivers can feel that their driving skills are improving,” says Mazda.

Regardless of grade, all 2012 Demios feature increased body rigidity, retuned dampers, and improved bush characteristics for the rear trailing arm mounts, plus a new five-point grille and redesigned seats.

Mazda began taking pre-orders today for the facelifted Demio with first deliveries scheduled for June 30, 2011 Prices in Japan range from 1,149,000 yen to 1,621,750 yen (~US$14,400 to $20,300).

Hat tip to Leopaul D.!

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Toyota Avensis Tourer to be exported from UK to Japan

Toyota plans to add another country to the 47 that it already exports the Avensis, which is built exclusively at its UK factory in Burnaston, Derbyshire: its own home market, Japan. The company said demand for European styling and engineering from Japanese customers prompted its decision to bring the mid-size model.

The version that will be exported to Japan is the station wagon, named Tourer, powered by a 2.0-litre engine combined with a Multidrive S CVT transmission. Exports of the Avensis Tourer will commence in July, at a rate of 750 cars per month.

Toyota, which has invested over 1.85 million pounds since 1992, already exports 85% of the cars and engines manufactured in the UK, but the selection of Japan has been quite special for its UK division.

Toyota UK Managing Director, Katsunori Kojima, said: “We are very proud that the Avensis has been selected for export to Japan. This is yet another vote of confidence for the factory and the quality of our products”.

A sentiment echoed, naturally, by the British government, with Business Secretary Vince Cable commenting that this is “a tribute to the skills of the workforce, the efficiency of the plant and the quality of its products”.

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Ford Gives Japan Special Edition Mustang V6 Sport Appearance

America’s second favorite muscle car after the Camaro (in terms of 2011 sales as Chevy’s model has outsold Ford’s pony car by around 33 percent through May, according to the latest data), is being offered in Japan in a limited edition version called the “Mustang V6 Sport Appearance”.

More often than not, the words “Mustang” and “Special” usually point to a different paint job and added extras, and sure enough, that’s the case with the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) version of Ford’s Mustang V6 Sport Appearance.

On the outside, Japanese buyers can choose between two colors, “Performance White” or the 70’s style “Grabber Blue”, both of which come with special pin stripes on the sides and the bonnet bump.

There’s also a rear boot lid spoiler and 18-inch chromed alloy wheels wrapped around chunky 235/50 R18 tires, while inside, we can see that Ford added leather seats

The package is available on both the coupe and convertible models with the 3.7-liter V6 engine, which is rated in Japan at 309-horses and 378Nm (278.8 lb-ft) of peak torque.

Production is limited to 25 pieces for each body style with prices set at a hefty 4.35 million Yen for the Coupe and 5.05 million Yen for the soft-top Convertible (equal to US$54,250 and US$63,000 respectively at the current exchange rates).

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Honda Launches New Fit Shuttle Small MPV in Japan [ 46 Photos]

After briefly postponing the presentation of its all-new Fit Shuttle due to a variety of problems that arose from the March 11 earthquake and tsunami in Japan, Honda on Thursday officially launched its mini MPV.

While keeping the five-seat layout of the regular Fit (called Jazz in Europe), the Shuttle is longer and taller, with the extra space benefiting both the rear passengers and the cargo area.

The more practical version of the Fit is offered in two flavors, the base model powered by a conventional 1.5-liter i-VTEC four-cylinder gasoline engine and a hybrid variant combining a 1.3-liter gasoline unit to a 10 KW electric motor.

The hybrid model is available only with front-wheel drive and a CVT, while the regular Fit Shuttle can be ordered either with front-wheel drive and a CVT or with all-wheel drive and 5-speed automatic transmission.

Pricing of the Japan-only Fit Shuttle starts at ¥1,610,000 (~US$20,030), with the hybrid model commanding ¥1,810,000 (~US$22,500).

Hat tip to Leopaul D.!

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