Lexus ES 300h (AXZH10)

The Lexus ES is more than just a glorified Toyota Camry with the Lexus badge in it because back when it was known as the Toyota Vista, then Windom, it was truly recognized as a "world prestige class" saloon that is rich in features and has an impeccable silence fit for a luxury car. Even though Lexus has a presence of Japan, the ES is one of the cars not available in the Japanese market until now...

2019 Lexus ES

For the first time on Japanese roads, the all-new Lexus ES is now available starting at 5,800,000 Japanese Yen, which is very expensive for what's underneath a Toyota Camry but to put in broad context, it's somewhat more affordable than the main opponent, the Audi A6. So, good mark for Lexus on the pricing but actually, no.

2019 Lexus ES

Observing through the styling, the front of the new ES looks vaguely similar to the new Lexus LS, apart from the rakishly trademark Spindle Grille that adorns most Lexus of today, while the sidelines reminded you of the second-generation Mazda Atenza, and the rear view looks like the Hyundai YF Sonata. In other words, it is as Asian as Asian cars can get and speaking of identity crisis aside...

2019 Lexus ES interior

2019 Lexus ES interior

The new ES's interior was heavily influenced by its bigger brother, signalling the future of Lexus interiors, whatever that means. What this interior translates is that all of the main information displays are now into the driver's line of sight such as the LCD instrument panel, optional heads-up display, Lexus Multimedia System, upgraded Remote Touch Interface, and so much more. Focusing on the creature comfort, the new ES can be very nice to chauffeur some rich people, even your Boss Madam wouldn't mind while taking her to the office. While the interior comfort is somewhat Mercedes-level rather than Audi-level, the boot space is now surprisingly bigger and because the battery pack is located underneath the rear seat, you can store less than 17 cubic feet of trunk space along with the secret compartments for smaller items.

2019 Lexus ES

The new ES maybe a new Camry underneath but because it's running on its earful TNGA platform, it's now more comfortable and stable to impress the salarymen. Apart from the platform, the new ES features a reworked suspension that adapts to its surroundings, all thanks to its Dynamic Control Shocks capable of responding to event the smallest movements. Of course, being a luxury car, the new ES comes with a new rack-assist type Electric Power Steering that promises precise steering feel. It feels nice to drive on normal roads but when it's too much to bear, it's going to behave like an Audi A6 per se and even in the F SPORT variant with Adaptive Variable Suspension, it's going to take some dramatic logic to understand the new ES's behavior rather well because being a front-wheel drive car, the struggle really is real.

Because the new ES is a hybrid-only saloon that serves as the replacement for the HS250h, it sports the same new hybrid powerplant as the new Camry, meaning it bears the brand new 2.5L A25A-FXS petrol engine mated to an 88kW electric motor and an old-fashioned nickel metal battery. Fuel economy is around 20.6km/L on the WLTC Mode scale and while focusing more on the hybrid powerplant, the new ES features a parallel shaft gear and a multi-function gear that incorporates a power split planetary ring gear, parking gear, and counter drive gear into one compact unit. The hybrid control system now promises more responsiveness and when engaged to Sport mode, you can take advantage of its paddle shifters to control six simulated gears, which is nice but so-so. Also, there's the new Auto Glide Control system which addresses the one where drivers misjudge the drag imposed by regenerative brakes as they approach a stop and then move back and forth between the brake and the accelerator. Sounds convenient, if you know what I mean.

The new ES boasts most of the groundbreaking safety features under the new Lexus Safety System+ 2.0 such as the Pre-Collision System with daytime bicyclist detection, Lane Departure Assist, new Lane Tracing Assist, new All-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Road Sign Assist, and many more. However, apart from the many safety features, the new ES comes with a brand new party piece that will get you notice. In the old days, drivers tend to check the side view mirrors and get into the hassle of adjusting it to get the best possible view. In the new ES, it comes with the world's first Digital Outer Mirrors with side-view cameras. Instead of side view mirrors, it uses cameras to provide a live feed display on the left and right screens inside the cabin, allowing for enhanced views of the area around the car at night and in inclement weather. It also offers an expanded view of the car's surroundings by augmenting the display area during turns or reversing.

The bottom line? The new ES may have suffered some identity crisis and the idea that is offered only in hybrid but the interior comforts, the safety features, the pricing that can outflank the A6, and the new Digital Outer Mirrors really makes this glorified Camry a class apart from the rest. It's great to see the Lexus ES arrived in Japan for the first time since forever and there's so much to learn from this glorified Toyota Camry while eating some California Maki on the platter.

Source: Toyota Motor Corporation

New Toyota Pixis Epoch

After Daihatsu launched the all-new and more fuel-efficient, second-generation Mira e:S, Toyota decided to borrow the latest fuel-efficient Daihatsu for a while so they can sell it at their Toyota dealerships as the all-new Pixis Epoch.

2018 Toyota Pixis Epoch

For some people who can't afford Toyota's fuel-efficient offerings such as the Prius and its little brother, the Aqua, the Pixis Epoch kei-car got their backs because while it isn't as efficient as the two hybrids mentioned earlier, it is the most fuel-efficient petrol car offered at most Toyota dealerships across Japan with prices start from 907,200 up to 1,209,600 Japanese Yen plus on-road costs.

What you get in the all-new Pixis Epoch, like as shown from the second-generation Daihatsu Mira e;S, is a newly sharpened styling, refined interior for a more basic approach, new monocoque chassis, and a more fuel-efficient 660cc engine promising up to 35.2kmpl of fuel efficiency based on JC08 Mode standards.

In terms of safety, the Pixis Epoch comes with Smart Assist III, featuring the world's smallest stereo camera ever equipped on the production car, in addition to the false start restraining control function, Auto High Beam, corner sensors for parking purposes, SRS airbags, Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control System, emergency stop signal, and Anti-Lock Brakes with Electronic Control Braking Force Distribution System.

Can you consider this to someone who can't afford a Prius or an Aqua but like a fuel-efficient Toyota that gives them more run for their money. Sure you can and the odds aren't bad for a fuel-efficient Toyota that is based on Daihatsu's latest, fuel-efficient, offering.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

New Subaru Pleo Plus

2018 Subaru Pleo Plus

After Daihatsu launched the all-new and more fuel-efficient, second-generation Mira e:S, Subaru decided to borrow the latest fuel-efficient Daihatsu for a while so they can sell it at their Subaru dealerships as the all-new Pleo Plus.

Priced at 896,400 Yen, the all-new Subaru Pleo Plus like what the latest Daihatsu Mira e:S showed us, not only features a more sharp exterior design and a more basic interior space for the average driver, but also an improved 660cc engine alongside its monocoque chassis combined with fuel efficient features such as Cold i-EGR, the late closing of intake valves for load reduction on compression, dual injectors, combustion control by cylinder, CVT Thermo controller, low viscosity CVT fluid, rear differential gear for 4WD models, resin parts, and many more, resulting to 35.2kmpl of fuel efficiency based on JC08 Mode standards.

Not only this is the most fuel-efficient car in the Subaru lineup, it's also the safest because of its Smart Assist III, featuring the world's smallest stereo camera ever equipped on the production car, in addition to the false start restraining control function, Auto High Beam, corner sensors for parking purposes, SRS airbags, Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control System, emergency stop signal, and Anti-Lock Brakes with Electronic Control Braking Force Distribution System.

As told earlier, the new Pleo Plus starts at 896,400 Yen, the most affordable Subaru available in Japan, and also the most fuel-efficient as well. We know that this is based on the all-new Daihatsu Mira e:S but for those who are too lazy to go on the Daihatsu dealership or if their nearest dealership was a Subaru's look no further.

Photo: Subaru Corporation

Second Generation Daihatsu Mira e:S

Daihatsu's most fuel efficient and most affordable kei car has been regenerated for its second generation and the all-new, more fuel-efficient, Mira e:S, promises to give drivers even more run for their money. Let's take a quick look on the latest generation of Daihatsu's most affordable, fuel-efficient kei-car ever sold in Japan.

2018 Daihatsu Mira e:S

When Daihatsu first launched the Mira e:S about six years ago, it was known to be the most fuel efficient car in the world until the Suzuki Alto came and the rivalry between the two fuel-efficient cars continued until the arrival of the latest-generation Suzuki Alto with its record-breaking 37kmpl fuel economy. Now, let's get to know about the brand new Mira e:S and by the looks of it, the exterior design has been sharpened to draw some inspiration from the D-Base Concept, resulting to a much better-looking low-cost car that can attract first-time buyers and can be a real head-turner on the streets of downtown Tokyo.

2018 Daihatsu Mira e:S

The inside looks pretty much the same as the previous Mira e:S and it still has that digital instrumental cluster from the last one, meaning that the interior is still beyond average for a compact car but average aside, it's surprisingly spacious and it has good legroom on the back, meaning it's nice to be accommodated with. The boot space isn't too shabby as well for a micro car and there are plenty of cubby holes to store your stuff, making it a practical car fit for family use or a trip round town with your pals.

2018 Daihatsu Mira e:S

Now let's talk about the performance side of the new Mira e:S and for this new model, it now features a "D Monocoque" body that is more rigid and 80kg less compared to the standard model. Because its now 80kg less than the old e:S and combined with its newly improved e:S Technology, you're looking at a 35.2kmpl of fuel efficiency based on JC08 Mode standards. That sounds like 1.8kmpl less than the Suzuki Alto but this is still the most fuel-efficient Daihatsu in the range and time to get to the juicy part of the new e:S Technology because if you dig deeper on the mechanical bits, you will see some interesting stuff that made this car fuel-efficient such as the Cold i-EGR, the late closing of intake valves for load reduction on compression, dual injectors, combustion control by cylinder, CVT Thermo controller, low viscosity CVT fluid, rear differential gear for 4WD models, resin parts, the list goes on and on and there's another contribution to the car's fuel efficiency and it's the aerodynamics because for the new model, it sustained three percent air resistance, making it the most aerodynamic kei car on the market.

The Daihatsu Mira e:S comes with other energy efficient ways and means such as LED lamps, eco power generator, an idle stop and go feature, and scroll-type air conditioner compressor.

2018 Daihatsu Mira e:S

What about safety? To keep up with today's traffic, the new Mira e:S comes with Smart Assist III, featuring the world's smallest stereo camera ever equipped on the production car. In addition to the sonar sensor, it enables braking not only for leading vehicles but also for pedestrians. When the stereo camera detects a lane while traveling at speeds at around 60kph or over, when it is about to deviate from the lane, it notifies the driver and urges the departure avoidance operation. Apart from that, it can also trigger the false start restraining control function at either forward or backward. Other features include Auto High Beam, corner sensors for parking purposes, SRS airbags, Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control System, emergency stop signal, and Anti-Lock Brakes with Electronic Control Braking Force Distribution System.

Should you buy one? The new Daihatsu Mira e:S starts at 842,400 Yen including on-road costs and it's exempted from the car acquisition tax and automobile weight tax, making it a great value for money and its around five grand cheaper to buy than the Suzuki Alto. It really is a promising compact car that gives them more run for their money and it's now technologically advanced to deal with today's traffic conditions. Even though Daihatsu is now under Toyota's control, they're still on the roll for fuel-efficient small-cars on the market and for the Mira e:S, this is just the beginning.

Available colors: Sky Blue Metallic, Lemon Squash Crystal Metallic, Magenta Berry Mica Metallic, Splash Blue Metallic, Plum Brown Crystal Mica, Black Mica Metallic, Pearl White III, Bright Silver Metallic, and White.

Photo: Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd.

Daihatsu Mira e:S/Subaru Pleo Plus/Toyota Pixis Epoch minor change

If you remember back two years ago, you'll remember something about the Daihatsu Mira e:S, the world's most fuel-efficient car available only in Japan as of now. It's the compact car that introduced Japan the JC08 Mode fuel economy test cycle rather than the over-exaggerated 10-15 Mode test cycle. Fuel economy was 30km/L but month's later, its title was stripped out thanks to Suzuki with their Alto Eco that does 30.2kmpl. Two years later, it's now rosed to 33kmpl. Making it the undisputed king of fuel consumption, not this little Daihatsu. They're not pleased by this...

Now, for the 2014 model year, the Daihatsu Mira e:S has now made even more fuel friendly than ever and it's now refreshed for one goal: to take back what the Suzuki Alto Eco got from them.

The new Mira e:S comes with numerous fuel-efficient updates such as an updated i-EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) for combustion efficiency, reduced engine losses with the use of a low-friction timing chain, a revamped CVT gearbox, reduced drag with the help of its new exterior design, improved idling stop system, updated "Eco power generation control", and so much more.

All this gives the 2014 Mira e:S a fuel consumption rating of 33.4kmpl. That's right, this isn't a typo. 33.4kmpl, 10% higher than the pre-facelift and best of all, .4kmpl higher than the Suzuki Alto Eco! And those improvements can also be implemented on its other cousins like the Subaru Pleo Plus and Toyota Pixis Epoch, both of these are rebadged versions of the Mira e:S.

So, with that record-breaking fuel economy, I wonder what's going to be the response from its rival Suzuki? Let's just wait...

Subaru Pleo Plus

新世代トマールエンジン

2013 Subaru Pleo Plus

2013 Subaru Pleo Plus interior

The trend of kei car rebadging is becoming a bit too far here in Japan and the Daihatsu Mira e:S, launched last year, became a subject of rebadging. Sure, Toyota borrowed one for their new Pixis Epoch and now, in a terribly confusing way, Subaru decided to join in the fray by borrowing a Daihatsu Mira e:S and replace it with Subaru badges. What do you get in return? Something called the all new 2013 Subaru Pleo Plus! The most fuel-efficient Subaru offered and the most affordable.

Starting at 795,000 Japanese Yen, the Pleo Plus is equipped with the special KF engine that accumulates 52PS/6800rpm of power output and 60Nm/5200rpm of torque output. It even comes with a CVT for optimized fuel economy and smooth driving. Because it's fuel economy is rated at 30.0km/L in Japan's JC08 Mode scale, it is the most fuel efficient Subaru ever offered for fuel-conscious drivers in Japan. The secret of getting a good fuel economy for this new model is because of its Eco Idle (Idle Stop and Go) system, newly developed i-EGR (ion controlled Exhaust Gas Recirculation) system (that applies the ion current combustion control, in which ions in the combustion chamber are used to identify the state of combustion, to EGR control), lighter bodywork, thermal management, and Eco power generation control (with regenerative braking functions).

I'm afraid I have no words to describe this new Pleo Plus but if you live somewhere where a Subaru dealer is nearby and if you're too lazy to get a new Mira e:S or a Toyota Pixis Epoch, consider this. End of discussion.

Photo: Fuji Heavy Industries, Ltd.

Toyota Pixis Epoch

2013 Toyota Pixis Epoch

2013 Toyota Pixis Epoch

This is the fourth member of Toyota's new PIXIS kei car range. The first Toyota Pixis, the Pixis Space, is much more of a Toyota equivalent of the Daihatsu Move Conte. Pixis number 2 and 3 were the Pixis Truck and Pixis Van which are essentially a rebadged version of the Daihatsu Hijet Truck and Hijet Van. And now we have this, the fourth Pixis, which is essentially a rebadged version of Daihatsu's most fuel efficient car on the market today which is more fuel efficient than the Mazda Demio 13-SKYACTIV but now overshadowed by the Suzuki Alto Eco, the Daihatsu Mira e:S.

It has the special KF engine that accumulates 52PS/6800rpm of power output and 60Nm/5200rpm of torque output. It even comes with a CVT for optimized fuel economy and smooth driving. The fuel economy of the Pixis Epoch (ピクシス エポック) is 30.0km/L based on Japan's JC08 Mode test cycle thanks to the Eco Idle (Idle Stop and Go) system, newly developed i-EGR (ion controlled Exhaust Gas Recirculation) system (that applies the ion current combustion control, in which ions in the combustion chamber are used to identify the state of combustion, to EGR control), lighter bodywork, thermal management, and Eco power generation control (with regenerative braking functions).

Available colors are Sky Blue, Shell Rose, Cotton Ivory, Plum Brown Crystal Mica, Black Mica Metallic, Bright Silver Metallic, Pearl White III, and White.

My comment:

In essence then, the all new 2013 Toyota Pixis Epoch is just a rebadged version of the kei car that Bruce Willis endorses...

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

How to make the Mira e:S a little more attractive

2012 Daihatsu Mira e:S

We feel your understanding that the Daihatsu Mira e:S is a little bit too bland but the problem is solved because Daihatsu offers an optional Original Accessories available to customize your Mira e:S just the way you like it.

First off, the "Earth Color interior" package offers two seat colors such as Aqua Blue and Earth Beige, sky blue colored panels, MOMO steering wheel, Scuff Plate Cover, and a special carpet mat.

Second, the "Sporty" package offers an IR Cut Film Set, special side decals, sporty front bumper, side skirts, rear spoiler, modified front grille, back door garnish, pillar stripe, 14-inch aluminum wheel set, halogen foglamp set, long visor, rear mud guard, and a premium number frame set.

Third, the "Premium" package offers special black leather seats, brown panels, special silver panelings on the front, side, and back, back door garnish, 10-spoke aluminum wheels, long visor, and premium number plate set.

Lastly, Daihatsu offered a "Lamp & Illumination" accessory that features ice blue lighting on the interior, plus a carpet mat, LED headlamp, and an LED room lamp.

For pricing on these accessories, please contact your Daihatsu dealer.

Does Daihatsu really need Bruce Willis to do the Mira e:S commercial?

With the recent launch of the world's most fuel efficient gasoline-fed vehicle, the Daihatsu Mira e:S, this Japanese kei car maker launched two unique TV commercials for the Mira e:S aired in Japan one day after the car's launch date. So, why would we need Bruce Willis to do this ad? Besides, Bruce Willis is an action star, why would you bring a star in a reasonably priced car commercial?

LOL at that ad where Bruce Willis said it wrong. "DAIMOTSU MIRO OOS!"

Mr. Willis, that's "Daihatsu Mira e:S". ミライース！

ちゃんと覚えるんだブルース。

The Enemy from Without...

2012 Daihatsu Move Custom

2012 Mazda Demio

2012 Daihatsu Mira e:S

So, the Daihatsu Mira e:S has arrived and claimed the title of being the world's most fuel efficient gasoline-fed car today because of the record breaking 30.km/L in Japan's JC08 mode scale, meaning that's 32.0km/L in 10-15 Mode scale, making it higher than the Mazda Demio 13-SKYACTIV's 30.km/L fuel economy and the fifth-generation Daihatsu Move's 27.0km/L.

Didn't realize that the records really put a slam in the fronts of the Daihatsu Move and the Mazda Demio because it the world of fuel efficiency, the higher the fuel economy, the better, but we're not talking about hybrid cars, we're talking about gasoline-fed cars. With today's gas prices, people are looking for fuel-efficient cars but they prefer more about gasoline-fed cars because that's the norm. Thanks to the fuel efficiency of the new Daihatsu Mira e:S, it seems that someone finally found their new partner on the road.

This is how you call it "The Enemy from Without" and no, we're not referring to something from an old video game called Incredible Crisis. We are referring about the arrival of the Daihatsu Mira e:S because of the fuel efficiency that puts the new Daihatsu Move and the Mazda Demio SKYACTIV to shame.

Daihatsu Mira e:S (LA300S/LA310S)

Last year, the arrival of the 2011 Daihatsu Move reigned as the world's most fuel efficient eco-car that has the reputation of TNP27 (27.0km/L in Japan's 10-15 Mode Cycle), but later in June 2011, it was dethroned by the 2012 Mazda Demio 13-SKYACTIV because the Demio SKYACTIV has a new P3-VPS engine that accumulates 30.0km/L in Japan's 10-15 Mode scale. Today, the Demio SKYACTIV's reign is over because a new eco-car steps in and its made by Daihatsu. This new eco car has the concept of "3rd Eco Car" (第3のエコカー) and it accumulates a record-high fuel economy 30.0km/L in Japan's JC08 mode scale and 32.0km/L in 10-15 Mode scale. Welcome to the 3rd Eco Car, the 2012 Daihatsu Mira e:S (ミライース).

2012 Daihatsu Mira e:S

The e:S naming in the Mira e:S was derived from the Daihatsu e:S Concept, as seen from the 2009 Motor Show and the concept of 3RD ECO CAR (第3のエコカー) can be somewhat unknown but in my unique guessing, I think this is the third Daihatsu to be equipped with the revolutionary Eco Idle system. The first was the 5th generation Daihatsu Move and the second was the Daihatsu Move Conte's minor change. The all new Daihatsu Mira e:S has no relation to the Daihatsu e:S Concept car because of its form and packaging. In fact, this can be somewhat an unexpected twist.

The exterior design can be somewhat shabby for a compact car and if you look at it, it looks like it was some kind of an everyday commuter car on an average province. Think of it as a poor man's Kia Morning but the new Mira e:S is focused to be more simple and practical. Up front, you can see a new badge which in fact it looks like some sort of a leaf but this is a symbol of being the most fuel efficient gasoline-fed car ever made by Daihatsu for Japan in mind. The side view can be somewhat similar to the Nissan March K13 and the rear view is somewhat too squishy and rather too blander. Is this the car or is it the design center's too underfunded?

2012 Daihatsu Mira e:S interior

Forget about the underfunded exterior design, let's take peek at the interior of the Mira e:S. As I can see, there is a similar looking climate control system that was last seen at the fifth-generation Daihatsu Move and the center console is too similar from the second-generation Daihatsu Boon/Toyota Passo and if you stare closely at the instrumental, you can observe that everything is too digital, not analog. With such an odd-clustered cockpit, the Mira e:S can accommodate up to four adults and nothing's too special about the bland interior. Guess we should find a way to make it more reasonable inside the Mira e:S...

2012 Daihatsu Mira e:S

And now for the main course of the Mira e:S, its performance. The new Daihatsu Mira e:S is equipped with the special KF engine that accumulates 52PS/6800rpm of power output and 60Nm/5200rpm of torque output. It even comes with a CVT for optimized fuel economy and smooth driving. For the fuel economy, the Mira e:S can accumulate, and if you were sitting down, 30.0km/L in Japan's JC08 Mode scale. That's 32.0km/L in 10-15 Mode scale, meaning that's superbly higher than the Mazda Demio 13-SKYACTIV and the TNP27 Daihatsu Move combined! What an incredible fuel economy record that makes it the world's most fuel efficient compact car ever made! That wouldn't be done without the help of the Eco Idle (Idle Stop and Go) system, newly developed i-EGR (ion controlled Exhaust Gas Recirculation) system (that applies the ion current combustion control, in which ions in the combustion chamber are used to identify the state of combustion, to EGR control), lighter bodywork, thermal management, and Eco power generation control (with regenerative braking functions). These new technology applied are called "e:S Technology" and it was made exclusively on the new Mira e:S.

The Mira e:S not only is fuel efficient, but it can be the safest eco car in mind thanks to the features such as Total Advanced Function (TAF) body, Safety-Oriented Friendly Interior, SRS airbags, optional ISOFIX child seat, Vehicle Stability Control, and Anti-lock Braking System.

The new Daihatsu Mira e:S comes in eight unique color variations such as Sky Blue, Shell Rose, Cotton Ivory, Plum Brown Crystal Mica, Black Mica Metallic, Bright Silver Metallic, Pearl White III, and White.

My comment:
As a fan of fuel-efficient vehicles, I am impressed to see that the all new Daihatsu Mira e:S dethroned both the Mazda Demio 13-SKYACTIV and the fifth-generation Daihatsu Move combined! Imagine, 30.0km/L in Japan's JC08 mode cycle, that's somewhat extremely high enough to call it the world's most fuel efficient gasoline-fed car in the market today. Looks like a star is born from Daihatsu and I hope the all new Mira e:S can be proven to be the most successful eco-car made for those who are looking for fuel-efficient cars today because of continuous rise of gas prices today.

Photo: Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd.