More stylish models hit the street<\/p>\n
I. Christianto, Contributor, Jakarta<\/p>\n
In addition to the wide range of luxury imported and locally
\nassembled sedans and sport utility vehicles (SUV), the automotive
\nindustry in Indonesia has been enlivened with new models of vans,
\nor multipurpose vehicles (MPVs).<\/p>\n
Carmakers are competing to create stronger, lighter
\nMPVs that are less expensive to buy, and cheaper to
\noperate. But most of all, they always try to make the vans more
\nappealing to customers with features focusing on passenger safety
\nand convenience. The variety of MPVs in Indonesia has steadily
\nincreased as the market remains lucrative.<\/p>\n
The major makes of MPV, which are categorized as
\nminivans in Indonesia, include Toyota with its famed
\nKijang, Isuzu with its Panther, Suzuki with
\nthe Carry, Mitsubishi with the Kuda and Daihatsu with the
\nZebra. Such vehicles, aimed at carrying a lot of passengers,
\nalso include the Colt L300 and Colt T120S by Mitsubishi.<\/p>\n
The market has become more competitive with the
\nlaunching of new brands including minivan types and sports
\nutility vehicles capable of carrying a large number of
\npassengers.<\/p>\n
Generally, MPVs are categorized as vans that are able to hold
\nat least five adult passengers. Vehicles that fit into this
\ncategory include the Chevrolet Tavera and Zafira, Daihatsu Zebra,
\nTaruna and YRV, Ford Escape, Honda Stream, Hyundai Matrix, Kia
\nCarnival and Sedona, and the Subaru Forester.<\/p>\n
There are also other brands, including the Mazda MPV,
\nVolkswagen Caravelle, Chrysler Town and Country and Mercedes Benz
\nV Class.<\/p>\n
Most people in Indonesia regard the Toyota Kijang as the No. 1
\nmake of MPV. The Kijang range, upgraded from time to time, now
\nincludes the Krista and LGX which offer sedan comforts. The local
\nmarket has been good for the Kijang as many vans for public
\ntransportation are based on it. Other public transportation
\nvehicles are based on the Suzuki Carry and the Mitsubishi Colt
\nL300 and T120S.<\/p>\n
MPVs remain the favorites in Indonesia as most people in the
\ncountry prefer to have roomy vehicles able to carry the whole,
\nextended family. The competition in this sector has become
\nfiercer with the presence of new players.<\/p>\n
Mitsubishi has improved its product dubbed the Kuda Grandia.
\nThe new version emphasizes luxury and convenience while keeping
\nits main function as a car for the family. It offers a plenty of
\nspace for passengers. The new Kuda now has a
\nrear door, reflecting a hatchback style.<\/p>\n
Mitsubishi claims the Kuda Grandia has maximum performance on
\nhighways as the 2000cc gasoline Multi Point Injection engine
\nproduces 114 ps\/5000 rpm, the biggest in its class.<\/p>\n
The new suspension delivers comfort for the passenger and full
\nstability in tight maneuvers.<\/p>\n
\"From a driving standpoint, the maneuverability of the
\nvehicle is exciting,\" said Andy, who has been driving the car for
\na couple of months. He said that even when it was fully loaded
\nwith the maximum number of passengers, the turns and corners were
\nso smooth, and gear changes were almost unnoticeable.<\/p>\n
In addition to the Kuda, which is now more popular, another
\nnew important player is the Chevrolet Tavera 2200cc, which has a
\nspacious interior design. Many drivers say that technically the
\nperformances of the engines of the Kuda and Tavera are not so
\ndifferent. Buyers will need to compare the convenience and rate
\nof acceleration that both cars offer.<\/p>\n
Hyundai has introduced the Matrix, a large and meaty vehicle
\nwhen compared to leaner mainstream family cars. It's also very
\nspacious. The back can easily accommodate six-footers, while up
\nfront the high driving position can be tailored to suit most
\ndrivers. Hyundai also has the Trajet, one of the largest, most
\ncomprehensively equipped MPVs around.<\/p>\n
The Trajet is designed with seven seats. It offers outstanding
\nversatility as an MPV, but enjoys the low-slung profile and
\nperformance of a stylish saloon.<\/p>\n
It's roomy and practical, with masses of storage space
\nand a host of ingenious touches. Selected features include
\ncentral locking with alarm and remote, power assisted steering
\nand removable seats.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, the Honda Odyssey is also on the market and has a
\nlot to offer. The Odyssey appears now with many key changes. An
\nall-new five-speed automatic transmission, with a final drive
\nratio of 4.2, replaces the four-speed. It has now an improved
\nengine and is equipped with rear disc brakes, side impact
\nair bags, and amber-colored rear turn signals as standard.<\/p>\n
KIA is also going after the same market with the Sedona, which
\nis capable of carrying up to seven passengers and is equipped
\nwith standard luxury amenities such as air conditioning, cruise
\ncontrol, power windows and door locks.<\/p>\n
The Daihatsu YRV is a tall, semi-MPV hatchback with lots of
\nspace and a style intended to attract young buyers as \"YRV\"
\nstands for Young Recreational Vehicle.<\/p>\n
The large, clear headlamp lenses, the 'double-wedge'
\nwaistline, the hefty triangular tail-lights and the dimple-
\ntexture interior plastics give it a look far removed from past
\nDaihatsu MPV-flavored offerings, most of which have been
\ndecidedly weird.<\/p>\n
Just recently, Subaru introduced the Forester in Indonesia. It
\nis not a sport utility vehicle in the traditional sense, though
\nit provides cargo utility and off-highway capability. The maker
\nclaims people will feel its more like driving a car than a van.
\nThe Forester comes with a high level of standard equipment.<\/p>\n
It appears not to be as tall as a SUV, and therefore it is
\neasier to load gear onto the roof. Seating height in the Forester
\nis comparable to that of a sedan.<\/p>\n
Subaru makes one of the best all-wheel-drive systems
\nin the world, rivaled only by Porsche and Audi.<\/p>\n
Car assemblers are competing to create new products and market
\nthem in Indonesia as the market here for MPVs will remain
\nprospective. Many people want to have MPVs as their second cars
\nin addition to the sedans they already have. Some people can
\nprobably afford to have more than one MPV.<\/p>\n
\"I like my new van, assembled with improved amenities for
\nsafety and convenience as well as acceleration. I can count on
\nits power, space utility and quality chassis design to get the
\nwork done smoothly, efficiently and comfortably. Inside the
\nroomy, bright and comfortable cabin I find a neatly laid out
\ndashboard with easy-to-read back lighted instruments, and various
\neasy-to-operate switches and controls,\" said Vincent, who has
\njust bought an Isuzu Panther.<\/p>\n
Another car owner, Waluyo, who is a faithful Toyota fan, said
\nhe had two Kijangs at any one time and always exchanged them for
\nnew ones when the upgraded versions hit the road.<\/p>\n
\"I think the Kijang has made itself as a trendsetter in MPVs
\nand has an image as good as a sedan. The seats are much more
\ncomfortable for passengers and have a large sliding adjustment
\nspan for more legroom. The cabin is well appointed and
\nconveniently designed with various storage spaces to make my busy
\ndriving schedules go much easier. Inside is an impressively
\nspacious and yet hugely functional cargo storage space,\" he said.<\/p>",
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