report says:Toyota seeking to halve Japan car models as domestic market shrinks

TOKYO -- Toyota Motor Corp. is aiming to halve the number of car models it sells at home by 2025, the second time this month that a Japanese automaker has emerged with plans to sharply scale back in a shrinking domestic market.

Car sales in Japan have been on a declining trend for more than two decades as the population rapidly ages and young people are losing interest in car ownership. At the same time, global automakers are increasingly focusing their r&d efforts on electric cars and self-driving technologies. 

Toyota offers about 60 car models in Japan, where consumers clamor for variety. But it aims to gradually cut that to about 30 by 2025 to make better use of resources.

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2017 Mercedes-Benz V-Class Marco Polo

Priced from £53,180 Release date Now
There can be few people on the planet not familiar with the campervan concept, thanks largely to the iconic, long-lived and much-loved range of Volkswagens built for the purpose over the decades. Even people who hate the idea of camping usually have a soft spot for the thought of living the California Dream in one.
Of course, that lazy-day, carefree attitude rarely goes hand-in-hand with the realities of owning and running one, and that is especially true when you consider the more-than-£50,000 entry-level price for this latest entry to the market, the Mercedes-Benz V-Class Marco Polo. Even on a lease with a £11,000 deposit, you’ll be spending more than £600 a month to own it, making the experience very much at the glamping end of the price scale.
And, much as with a posh bell tent, the beauty of the Marco Polo lies within rather than with its exterior looks, which are a light development of the long-wheelbase version of the V-Class van, upon which it is based. From the outside, then, it is nothing extraordinary. Climb inside, though, and the wooden floor and well-kitted kitchen get the excitement flowing. As keen historians will know, Marco Polo was a 13th-century explorer and author; chances are he dreamed of such luxuries as afforded by this namesake van.
Buyers get a choice of two 2.1-litre diesel engines with differing power outputs, both linked to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, and two trim levels, the higher priced of which is more focused on adding cosmetic addenda than any significant kit.

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Bajaj RE60

Highlights

January 20, 2016: Bajaj Qute RE60 has been caught testing once again. The new spyshots comes from the Jaipur city of Rajasthan where two Blue and Red colored Qute were spied undergoing test runs. The four-wheeler quadricycle is still awaiting its launch as Supreme Court order for selling the vehicle is still pending. The vehicle will be exported to 16 overseas markets across the world with Turkey being the first market in the list. Bajaj Qute works on a 217cc single cylinder engine that makes 13.5PS and 19.6Nm of torque. The vehicle is able to deliver mileage of 36kmpl.

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2017 Maserati Levante

Maserati's first-ever SUV hits the market this summer and will retail starting at $72,000.

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2017 Chevrolet Trax

A relatively new entrant to the small crossover-SUV market that started with the 2015 model year, the Chevrolet Trax gets an exterior redesign for 2017, although the powertrain remains the same.

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Toyota New Fortuner 2016

Toyota New Fortuner Preview

The current Fortuner has been on sale in the Indian market since 2009 and thanks to its muscular and rugged looks, has a good fan following. Toyota has now officially revealed their most anticipated product of the year – the 2016 Fortuner. Like the current generation Fortuner, the 2016 version of SUV is also based on the Hilux platform and boasts of a new design and big list of features.

Exterior

The next-gen variant of the Fortuner gets a complete design overhaul and looks sharper than the present model. The fascia sports a new two-slat grille that extends up to the headlamps and has flanks that taper over the headlights. Toyota has equipped the Fortuner with LED daytime-running lamps and the top-end model will also get Bi-LED projector headlamps. These sweptback projector headlamps are surrounded by chrome embellishments to add to the bling factor.

The bumper is redesigned and gets a new black air dam while the fog lamp housings are surrounded by thick curved aluminium accents. On the side, Toyota has given the new Fortuner a floating pillar-less roof design that makes the SUV look quite interesting and attractive. The rear end also gets a similar slim-cut treatment with sleek tail lamps. The vehicle will be available with 17-inch and 18-inch wheel options.

Interior

And it’s not just the exterior, but Toyota has completely redesigned the cabin of the Fortuner as well. The dashboard layout is new and the instrument cluster comes with a multi-information display. The center console is vertically-oriented with a touch screen entertainment system, automatic AC controls, and a lot of storage spaces. The new three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel comes with audio controls and the car gets a new key fob. Higher variants are likely to come with rear parking sensors, keyless smart entry and start, downhill assist control, a powered tailgate and 18-inch alloys with highway tyres.

Engine and gearbox

One of the major changes on the next-gen Fortuner will be Toyota’s new GD series engines. The new 2.4-litre turbo-diesel is expected to replace the current 2.5-litre diesel unit, and a 2.8-litre mill will replace the current 3.0-litre unit. The new 2.4-litre 2GD-FTV motor is rated at 148bhp of power and 400Nm of peak torque. The 2.8-litre 1GD-FTV engine churns out 175bhp and 450Nm of torque. Depending on the variant, the transmission includes a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic.

Price and Competition

Toyota Kirloskar Motors will bring the car to the 2016 Auto Expo in India and might also launch it for the Indian market. It is expected to be priced in the Rs 25 lakh to Rs 28 lakh price bracket and will then lock horns with the Ford Endeavour, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and the upcoming Chevrolet Trailblazer.

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HYUNDAI SANTA FE 2015

2015 HYUNDAI SANTA FE

Starting price: $25,214

The 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe is one of the most affordable SUVs with 3 rows sold on the market today. With a price point in the 20’s, the SUV is one of the few on the market that can seat passengers in three rows for such a low price. The auto gets above average fuel economy with a 20 MPG (city) and 27 MPG (highway) rating, and the base engine is a V-4. Consumers can also choose to upgrade to a turbo-four cylinder if they need more acceleration from the automobile. The vehicle does ride a bit stiff, and the third row is a bit tight for adults to fit in comfortably. The Santa Fe has decent cargo space when compared to two-row SUVs, and both USB and Bluetooth come standard on the automobile.

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FORD FLEX 2015

2015 FORD FLEX

Starting price: $28,648

The 2015 Ford Flex is one of the most affordable SUVs with three rows on the market today. The auto has spacious seating for up to seven passengers, and its entry-level price point in the upper 20’s is hard to match in the three row SUV market. The Flex gets above average fuel economy with an 18 MPG (city) and 25 MPG (highway) rating. The SUV comes stock with a V-6 engine, and it is assess as being an agile handling automobile for the class. The Flex comes standard with rear parking sensors, heated mirrors, Bluetooth, USB port, and the Ford voice-controlled SYNC system. Consumers can also choose to add a number of features to the automobile to include adaptive cruise control, the MyFord Touch infotainment system, and HD radio.

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DODGE DURANGO 2015

2015 DODGE DURANGO

Starting price: $30,631

The 2015 Dodge Durango is a very affordable three-row SUV, and it is also one of the most established SUV brands on the market today. The Durango’s fuel economy is much improved as compared to past editions of the automobile with an 18 MPG (city) and 25 MPG (highway) rating. The stock V-6 engine for the Durango is rated as adequate for the needs of most families, while the optional V-8 engine comes in with an above average rating for power and acceleration. The SUV comes with rear-wheel drive and the auto is rated as an overall comfortable ride. The third row in the automobile is suitable for smaller adults and children to sit, and the cabin space is above average for large SUVs. The Durango comes with tri-zone automatic climate control, USB port, 5-inch touch screen, and the Uconnect infotainment system as standard equipment.

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HONDA PILOT 2016

2016 HONDA PILOT

Starting price: $30,963

The 2016 Honda Pilot is one of the most affordable SUVs with three rows on the market. The auto has an extremely roomy cabin, and it sides similar to a sedan. The base model of the Pilot comes standard with a V-6 engine that sees decent fuel economy at 19 MPG (city) and 27 MPG (highway). Honda produces the SUV with two different transmissions with a six-speed automatic being the and better performing of the two (a nine-speed automatic is available for Pilots with upper trims and has better acceleration). The third row of the auto is spacious enough for adults to sit comfortably, and the 2016 model of the SUV comes standard with a rearview camera, Bluetooth, the LaneWatch passenger-side blind spot camera, and USB port.

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BUICK ENCLAVE 2015

2015 BUICK ENCLAVE

Starting price: $38,378

The 2015 Buick Enclave is one of the top SUVs with three rows on the market today. Affordably priced for a large SUV, the Enclave gets above average fuel efficiency with a 17 MPG (city) and 24 MPG (highway) rating. The auto has plenty of cargo space for consumers, and it is powered by a V-6 engine that provides sufficient power for driving up steep grades. The engine does lack a bit in the acceleration department, and also features controlled handling at speed on the highway. The SUV can seat up to eight passengers, and it also features tri-zone automatic climate control, and the Buick IntelliLink infortainment system along with a rear parking sensor and rearview camera.

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TOYOTA SEQUOIA 2015

2015 TOYOTA SEQUOIA

Starting price: $42,378

The 2015 Toyota Sequoia is one of the best large SUVs on the market today with three rows of seating. The SUV is also affordably priced, and it gets slightly below average fuel economy with a 13 MPG (city) and 17 MPG (highway) overall rating. The Sequoia comes stock with an extremely powerful V-8 engine which is coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission. The SUV is one of the best with three rows on the market for towing, with an overall tow rating of up to 7,400 pounds. Overall, the vehicle is assessed as riding extremely smoothly due to its independent rear suspension, and the third row of seating is very adult friendly compared to other SUVs on the market today. The second-row of seats also recline and slide to help drivers best arrange the vehicle for the variety of family activities that come up during the year.

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FORD EXPEDITION 2015

2015 FORD EXPEDITION

Starting price: $43,287

The 2015 Ford Expedition is one of the most affordable large SUVs on the market today with three rows. The auto is powered by a new twin-turbocharged V-6 engine developed by Ford that helps deliver quick acceleration and power for the driver of the SUV. The auto’s fuel efficiency is rated at 16 MPG (city) and 22 MPG (highway), and includes a six-speed automatic transmission. Ford has also delivered the ability for the driver to adjust the suspension of the vehicle between normal, comfort, and sport modes, and the SUV can fit up to eight passengers in its three rows. The Expedition comes standard with a rearview cameral, satellite radio, the Ford voice-controlled SYNC system, USB port, Bluetooth, dual-zone climate control, and front parking sensors.

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CHEVROLET TAHOE 2015

2015 CHEVROLET TAHOE

Starting price: $45,013

The 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe is one of the best SUVs with three rows on the market today. The extremely affordable auto’s gas mileage is rated at 16 MPG (city) and 23 MPG (highway) being powered by its stock V-8 engine. The Tahoe is rated as having strong acceleration, an extremely gentle ride, and a refined cabin look and feel. The auto is one of the easiest-to-maneuver large SUVs on the market, and the first and second row of seats are appropriate for adults to sit comfortably. The third row of the SUV is a bit cramped for large adults to sit, but spacious enough for children to sit comfortably. Standard features on the Tahoe include remote start, Bluetooth, satellite radio, a rearview camera, and an HD camera. The auto also comes with a rear-seat entertainment system and has a number of USB ports for passengers to use for mobile devices.

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CHEVROLET SUBURBAN 2015

2015 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN

Starting price: $47,445

The 2015 Chevrolet Suburban is one of the most affordable three-row SUVs on the market today. As one of the most established SUV brands in history, the current edition of the large SUV model does not disappoint. The Suburban now gets decent fuel economy with a 16 MPG (city) and 23 MPG (highway) rating, and it features an extremely quiet ride. The current edition of the Suburban is much more maneuverable than past editions of the automobile, and it is extremely popular with families to drive. The auto is very quiet when driving at high speeds, and the overall cargo space in the SUV is spacious. The Suburban comes standard with rear parking sensors, a remote start capability, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and a rearview camera. Consumers can also choose to upgrade to include forward collision alert, a power sunroof, rear-seat entertainment system, and blind zone alert packages.

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GMC YUKON 2015

2015 GMC YUKON

Starting price: $47,257

The 2015 GMC Yukon is one of the best SUVs with 3 rows sold today. The Yukon is one of the most affordable large SUVs on the market, and it has decent fuel efficiency for a large SUV at 16 MPG (city) and 23 MPG (highway). The Yukon is powered by a V-8 engine that is rated as having excellent acceleration and is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. If purchasing the non-XL model of the Yukon, the cargo space will be limited when compared to other equivalent-sized large SUVs on the market. For consumers who have a need to tow regularly, the Yukon is also rated to tow up to 8,500 pounds, and it is one of the best-handling large SUVs on the market today.

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GMC ACADIA DENALI

GMC ACADIA DENALI

The Acadia Denali’s up-market uni-body crossover design allows parents to carry seven school kids and look like a Cadillac doing it. It’s such a beautiful vehicle, the spouse might take it away. The really gutsy suspension system is something a real man would never get over. The handling is special. GMC’s safety package is good too. If anybody collides with you, the whole family will look lost inside a box of marshmallows. If the airbags do everything the engineers intended, the kids will laugh.

The wife will be relieved you didn’t buy a GMC Yukon.

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MAZDA CX-3 TOURING

MAZDA CX-3 TOURING

Gas mileage (combined): 28

The Mazda CX-3 Touring is one of the top-rated SUVs on the market today with good gas mileage. The auto is assessed as being very fun to operate, and the stock engine in the vehicle is a 2.0 liter V-4 rated at 146 horsepower. The car is sold standard with a six-speed automatic transmission with front-wheel drive. The maximum speed of the vehicle is 120 MPH, and the SUV can go from zero to 60 MPH in just 8.1 seconds. The overall gas mileage rating of the auto is 28 MPG (combined), 27 MPG (city), and 32 MPG (highway) putting it above average when compared to other SUVs sold today.

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TOYOTA AVALON

TOYOTA AVALON

Starting price:  $32,285

The Toyota Avalon has been one of the best sedans sold on the market for several decades and counting now. The stock engine in the car is a 3.5 liter V-6 rated at 268 horsepower coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission. The Avalon has a maximum speed of 127 MPH, and the vehicle can go from zero to 60 MPH in just 6.1 seconds. In addition to being an above-average handling automobile, the car has slightly above average gas mileage with a 21 MPG (city) and 31 MPG (highway) overall rating. The cabin space in the Avalon has always been above average when compared to other cars of the same class, and the current edition of the vehicle continues to offer consumers a very luxurious auto cabin.

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MAZDA 6

MAZDA 6

Starting price: $22,330

The Mazda 6 is one of the best sedans sold today. The auto is one of the best looking family autos on the market, and the stock engine for the vehicle is a V-4 rated at 184 horsepower with front-wheel drive and a six-speed manual transmission. Consumers can choose to upgrade to a six-speed automatic that also has a sport mode. The top overall speed of the vehicle is 130 PH, and the auto can go from zero to 60 MPH in just 7.0 seconds. The overall fuel efficiency rating of the Mazda 6 is 28 MPG (city) and 40 MPG (highway), and the vehicle is assessed as being extremely fun to drive.

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