More stylish models hit the street

I. Christianto, Contributor, Jakarta

In addition to the wide range of luxury imported and locally assembled sedans and sport utility vehicles (SUV), the automotive industry in Indonesia has been enlivened with new models of vans, or multipurpose vehicles (MPVs).

Carmakers are competing to create stronger, lighter MPVs that are less expensive to buy, and cheaper to operate. But most of all, they always try to make the vans more appealing to customers with features focusing on passenger safety and convenience. The variety of MPVs in Indonesia has steadily increased as the market remains lucrative.

The major makes of MPV, which are categorized as minivans in Indonesia, include Toyota with its famed Kijang, Isuzu with its Panther, Suzuki with the Carry, Mitsubishi with the Kuda and Daihatsu with the Zebra. Such vehicles, aimed at carrying a lot of passengers, also include the Colt L300 and Colt T120S by Mitsubishi.

The market has become more competitive with the launching of new brands including minivan types and sports utility vehicles capable of carrying a large number of passengers.

Generally, MPVs are categorized as vans that are able to hold at least five adult passengers. Vehicles that fit into this category include the Chevrolet Tavera and Zafira, Daihatsu Zebra, Taruna and YRV, Ford Escape, Honda Stream, Hyundai Matrix, Kia Carnival and Sedona, and the Subaru Forester.

There are also other brands, including the Mazda MPV, Volkswagen Caravelle, Chrysler Town and Country and Mercedes Benz V Class.

Most people in Indonesia regard the Toyota Kijang as the No. 1 make of MPV. The Kijang range, upgraded from time to time, now includes the Krista and LGX which offer sedan comforts. The local market has been good for the Kijang as many vans for public transportation are based on it. Other public transportation vehicles are based on the Suzuki Carry and the Mitsubishi Colt L300 and T120S.

MPVs remain the favorites in Indonesia as most people in the country prefer to have roomy vehicles able to carry the whole, extended family. The competition in this sector has become fiercer with the presence of new players.

Mitsubishi has improved its product dubbed the Kuda Grandia. The new version emphasizes luxury and convenience while keeping its main function as a car for the family. It offers a plenty of space for passengers. The new Kuda now has a rear door, reflecting a hatchback style.

Mitsubishi claims the Kuda Grandia has maximum performance on highways as the 2000cc gasoline Multi Point Injection engine produces 114 ps/5000 rpm, the biggest in its class.

The new suspension delivers comfort for the passenger and full stability in tight maneuvers.

"From a driving standpoint, the maneuverability of the vehicle is exciting," said Andy, who has been driving the car for a couple of months. He said that even when it was fully loaded with the maximum number of passengers, the turns and corners were so smooth, and gear changes were almost unnoticeable.

In addition to the Kuda, which is now more popular, another new important player is the Chevrolet Tavera 2200cc, which has a spacious interior design. Many drivers say that technically the performances of the engines of the Kuda and Tavera are not so different. Buyers will need to compare the convenience and rate of acceleration that both cars offer.

Hyundai has introduced the Matrix, a large and meaty vehicle when compared to leaner mainstream family cars. It's also very spacious. The back can easily accommodate six-footers, while up front the high driving position can be tailored to suit most drivers. Hyundai also has the Trajet, one of the largest, most comprehensively equipped MPVs around.

The Trajet is designed with seven seats. It offers outstanding versatility as an MPV, but enjoys the low-slung profile and performance of a stylish saloon.

It's roomy and practical, with masses of storage space and a host of ingenious touches. Selected features include central locking with alarm and remote, power assisted steering and removable seats.

Meanwhile, the Honda Odyssey is also on the market and has a lot to offer. The Odyssey appears now with many key changes. An all-new five-speed automatic transmission, with a final drive ratio of 4.2, replaces the four-speed. It has now an improved engine and is equipped with rear disc brakes, side impact air bags, and amber-colored rear turn signals as standard.

KIA is also going after the same market with the Sedona, which is capable of carrying up to seven passengers and is equipped with standard luxury amenities such as air conditioning, cruise control, power windows and door locks.

The Daihatsu YRV is a tall, semi-MPV hatchback with lots of space and a style intended to attract young buyers as "YRV" stands for Young Recreational Vehicle.

The large, clear headlamp lenses, the 'double-wedge' waistline, the hefty triangular tail-lights and the dimple- texture interior plastics give it a look far removed from past Daihatsu MPV-flavored offerings, most of which have been decidedly weird.

Just recently, Subaru introduced the Forester in Indonesia. It is not a sport utility vehicle in the traditional sense, though it provides cargo utility and off-highway capability. The maker claims people will feel its more like driving a car than a van. The Forester comes with a high level of standard equipment.

It appears not to be as tall as a SUV, and therefore it is easier to load gear onto the roof. Seating height in the Forester is comparable to that of a sedan.

Subaru makes one of the best all-wheel-drive systems in the world, rivaled only by Porsche and Audi.

Car assemblers are competing to create new products and market them in Indonesia as the market here for MPVs will remain prospective. Many people want to have MPVs as their second cars in addition to the sedans they already have. Some people can probably afford to have more than one MPV.

"I like my new van, assembled with improved amenities for safety and convenience as well as acceleration. I can count on its power, space utility and quality chassis design to get the work done smoothly, efficiently and comfortably. Inside the roomy, bright and comfortable cabin I find a neatly laid out dashboard with easy-to-read back lighted instruments, and various easy-to-operate switches and controls," said Vincent, who has just bought an Isuzu Panther.

Another car owner, Waluyo, who is a faithful Toyota fan, said he had two Kijangs at any one time and always exchanged them for new ones when the upgraded versions hit the road.

"I think the Kijang has made itself as a trendsetter in MPVs and has an image as good as a sedan. The seats are much more comfortable for passengers and have a large sliding adjustment span for more legroom. The cabin is well appointed and conveniently designed with various storage spaces to make my busy driving schedules go much easier. Inside is an impressively spacious and yet hugely functional cargo storage space," he said.