It’s another cute little round!
Round 1, Part 3 of CSR101!
The rain continues to pour down. As the credits roll, Haruki walks back into the room.
Emiri: “Oh, you’re back.”>
Haruki: “Did you find any other interesting cars?”
Emiri: “The cars that I’m thinking of are the “Vento Aureo”, the “Kadett Beat”, the “Kurokama SC-C” and quite possibly the “Nohda Star Convoy” but I’m not sure about that one.”
Haruki: “I have one more magazine, this one seems interesting.”
Emiri: “Which is this one?”
Haruki: “This one is the latest issue of “Auto Technique”. There seem to be interesting vehicles!”
Emiri: “Yes, I will take a look with you! Anything to get rid of that Aveanto which broke again…”
They decided to take a look at the magazine.
Hokuto Aria CLE Wagon
Emiri: “First is this estate, it has an interesting, premium look, and ISEKAI MARKETING! But an automatic transmission…”
Haruki: “Rather weirdly, this car actually is not very spacious in the cabin. Not as small as the Urban-X, but still, one of the smaller cabins in the lineup, especially considering this has only 4 seats, which is just bizarre for an estate. It does make up though with a larger cargo space though, especially considering it’s a small car. Reports say they’re pretty nice to drive, comfortable, and the automatic is a smooth-shifting unit. However, a side effect of the smooth automatic and 2.0 litre engine is subpar fuel efficiency. The drivetrain is sufficiently reliable, if nothing exceptional, Similarly, the car is also trustworthy, as I would expect for a car like this. I do not hear much issues with bodywork, so I can assure you it won’t be a rusty car. However, safety is only average, and it does lack ESC, but having traction control and ABS keeps it safe on roads.”
Emiri: “Hmmm… It looks nice, but it doesn’t really stand out in terms of specifications… I’ll wait if there’s any more interesting vehicles about.”
The Hokuto Aria CLE was not considered, comfort was high but stats were otherwise not outstanding, and the cabin was smaller than expected.
Radster 1.6 Neo Tokyo
by @Mr.Computah
Emiri: “Oh my god! THIS IS SO KAWAII!!!”
Haruki: “This car drives decently. It’s predictable, with a little enjoyment of the drive. It’s not the most comfortable though, but it’s safe, has 5 seats, great brakes and while lacking in ESC it also has traction control along with ABS.”
Emiri: “Anything more, Haruki-kun?”
Haruki: “This car is quite reliable, the paintwork is durable, reports of fleets say these cars are doing very well. It’s built to last. As a small car, it’s got a very small footprint, meaning it’s great for nipping around the city. The engine is very responsive, a simple and efficient 1.6 naturally aspirated engine.”
Emiri: “It’s so damn kawaii though, I really love its looks. It’s a bit of a shame it’s not as comfortable… the car is just too kawaii, I love it far too much to leave it here… I’m definitely checking this kawaii car out! It’s another cute little car!”
The Radster 1.6 was considered by Emiri, while stats weren’t great, she absolutely loved how it looks.
Atera Hakone T
Emiri: “Another estate, this one seems interesting with its rear wheel drive.”
Haruki: “There is an issue though, it’s enjoyable but even harder to drive than the other RWD coupe we looked at.”
Emiri: “I guess I won’t drive this.”
The Atera Hakone T was not considered, the drivability was below limits.
Meijer Wisteria 1.6 ESC JDM
Emiri: “And here we have ourselves a family hatch. Looks OK, but I really don’t know.”
Haruki: “Reading through the review from Auto Technique, these aren’t as nice to drive as the other cars, and isn’t particularly quick either. While ESC is equipped, the handling leaves some to be desired, as somehow it’s not exactly as easy or as fun as many of the other cars. Yet it’s limited to only four seats. It’s comfortable and reliable, the bodywork seems no less durable than the standards, and the interior seems particularly luxurious.”
Emiri: “This car… it certainly seems OK. Comfortable yes, but it’s not special to me.”
The Wisteria JDM was not considered. Lower drivability stats and generally inferior dynamics meant it was not considered.
Aria Torch 1.8 Sport
Emiri: “This car is looking very happy! It’s kinda kawaii :)”
Haruki: “This one looks a solid car! It drives okay, but more importantly it’s quite comfortable, if not as exceptional as that one car. It’s enjoyable too, seems to be well made and has a good reputation for reliability and durability all round. It’s also a high rated vehicle on GasmeaNCAP tests, comes with a quality interior and entertainment, ESC and has 5 seats to boot. “
Emiri: “Sounds good.”
Haruki: “For a bizarre reason though, the rear tyres are narrower than the front. Possibly this car might be slightly more oversteery…”
Emiri: “It’s kawaii, but it does show its age, seeing as these started in 2009… it does look rather 2009 to me. And looking at the Auto Technique economy tests, fuel efficiency isn’t the greatest I have seen on the motorway… but the tyre sizes being different puzzles me as it not only seems to make it harder to drive, it also means tyre servicing is much more complicated.”
The Aria Torch 1.8 Sport was not considered. Solid performance, but the design, while cute is looking a bit outdated, but mainly the staggered tyre sizes are a bizarre choice.
Tengu Ara 2.0 T
by @goblin95
Emiri: “Oh, it’s another itasha!”
Haruki: “They are very comfortable and reliable, it is outstanding.”
Emiri: “Wait… is that the livery of “Oreimo”? I do not want that anime, it is very despicable!”
Haruki: “They do offer a normal version, you can check that instead. It is an outstanding performer. Very nice to drive, economical and with outstanding paintwork quality, but a poor engine response means it might not be entirely optimal. Safety aids are basic, it lacks electronic stability control and traction control. It only has anti-lock brakes, and bizarrely the engine is mounted longitudinally, a very strange choice for a front-wheel drive car in this class. While it works, it is a very bizarre concept to have the engine longitudinal as this is usually only found in much larger vehicles from Germany, and it is losing favour even in those German vehicles.”
Emiri: “Hmmmm… I will think about it. It looks quite pleasant, if a bit bland, and while it seems to perform very well, it lacks some features.”
The Tengu Ara 2.0 T was considered. Exceptional comfort and some very good stats, but some engineering choices seem bizarre and possibly unrealistic.
BT Motors Ibex 「 」Sp
by @EddyBT
Emiri: “This car seems to be promotional for an upcoming anime!”
Haruki: “This car also looks very good. It has a unique styling that looks aggressive and sporty.”
Emiri: “Not only that, it’s really cute and sporty! I wonder though, is it really as sporty as it looks?”
Haruki: “Actually, it is a sporty drive too! These reviews all speak very highly of the way the Ibex is to drive. It is a safe, predictable drive, that somehow combines enjoyable dynamics! It’s also comfortable, while it doesn’t seem as comfortable as the Ara, it’s still a nice car to spend time in.”
Emiri: “Reading through reports of the quality and reliability, seems fleet and private owners rate these highly for reliability, the bodywork, the drivetrain and the electricals. Also, unlike the Ara, this one has traction control, another advantage. I’ll take a look at this one, it looks great, drives great, is comfortable, and it looks kawaii! I might do away with the decals though…”
Very good stats, a cute, modern design and no noticeable unrealistic engineering has meant the BT Ibex 「」has been considered.
Satoshi Keanu Light Sport
by @racer126
Emiri: “This car looks very happy too!”
Haruki: “This car drives decently. It’s efficient, making it cheap to run for you.”
Emiri: “They also say it’s comfortable, always a good thing when I want to go on trips on the motorway… where it seems less economical but still economical anyway.”
Haruki: “The reports from owners say they are quite a solid vehicle, but the bodywork seems to not be as resistant…”
Emiri: “Also only 4 seats, and just ABS. It is a nice car, looks pretty good, but it does not seem as long lasting as other vehicles, which might be a deal breaker.”
Haruki: “The brakes also seem to fade slightly after some heavy usage, so that might be considered.”
Emiri: “I do like this one, but it seems so there are better cars.”
Haruki: “Possibly.”
The Satoshi Keanu was not considered. Solid stats good comfort, but drivability was average and environmental resistance was lower, considering the lack of ESC or even just TC and as it only had 4 seats.
Kuma TD DIVA Hatsune Miku Edition
by @Xepy
https://i.imgur.com/228FuBU.jpg
Emiri: “Another itasha? Wow, these companies seem to want to do anything to get a buyer! This car looks great, if a little bugeyed.”
Haruki: “This car seems to have been co-developed with the Italian company Opificio. Driving these seems very easy and comfortable, and it packs the latest in technology such as ESC. The comfort is average, but reliability is exceptional, with these having collected a reputation for being very durable, making them popular among rental fleets too, as the great fuel efficiency combined with excellent reliability and very durable bodywork makes them perfect for fleet, and as you want something durable, this car would fit it perfectly.”
Emiri: “This car looks excellent, anything else to know?”
Haruki: “The engine torque curve looks rather erratic, but otherwise it’s a responsive, efficient and reliable engine. This car seems very good, and it has 5 seats and stability control to boot.”
Emiri: “The bug eye design is peculiar, but it’s also kawaii at the same time, so why not? I do like this car, and seeing as it drives so well…”
The Kuma TD Hatsune Miku was considered. High stats where it’s needed and a stylish, if somewhat generic aesthetic complete the package.
MJD Torch
by @Rezn.TM
Emiri: “Oh look, yet another car called Torch. This car does look quite strange from the front, almost cross-eyed.”
Haruki: “It drives fine, nothing special. It’s not the most comfortable either. However it is reliable, and does have 5 seats.”
Emiri: “I’m sure we can do better, like the other Torch.”
The MJD Torch was not considered. Lower drivability and comfort than the competition.
YWL Lynx
by @Navara
Emiri: “This car looks almost like an angry tsundere. Also like a tsundere is the fact it’s also reported as being a rather comfortable car that is easy to drive, fuel efficient and sports 5 seats.”
Haruki: “The looks are rather Marmite on this one, but there’s no denying it performs quite well, although it’s not hugely special. Speaking of your references to “tsundere”, this car is also quite reliable. The engine reliability is decent but it’s responsive and packs high technology. However I have been hearing reports of high-pressure fuel pump issues…”
Emiri: “I can’t be sure about this one, it performs decently but the fuel pump issues are offputting, and the style is quite an acquired taste. I think I’ll skip this one.”
*The YWL Lynx was not considered. A bizarre Marmite design, and the reduced DI quality coupled with the high standards of competition meant this wasn’t enough, but it was a solid effort."
Letto TAC
by @LordLetto
Emiri: “This just looks like a failed 3D print of a BMW that’s been left out in the sun for a few years.”
The Letto TAC was not considered, the style simply does not look good, nor is it coherent at all.
Emiri: "I guess that’s all the cars!
Haruki: “There was that ad for the Kimura, but that car is still being worked on. Looked great though from all I could see.”
Emiri: Let’s have a read through which cars to test drive…"
Vento Aureo by @HPMinecraft
Kurokama SC-C by @ST1Letho
Nohda Star Convoy by @Dorifto_Dorito
Huangdou Prsona (It’s another cute little car!) by @yangx2
Kadett Beat by @CorsicaUnknown
Radster 1.6 by @Mr.Computah
Tengu Ara by @goblin95
BT Ibex 「」by @EddyBT
Kuma TD DIVA by @Xepy
［ｃｏｏｌ ｖｉｂｒａｔｉｏｎｓ］Haruki: "I’ll get the details for their nearest dealers. Tomorrow we will test drive them all! Also I want to tell you something… Emily.
Emiri: “What do you want to tell me?”
Haruki: “The way you try to be like us… it is getting actually annoying.”
Emiri: “Really?”
Haruki: “Yeah.”
Emily: “Now I think of it I have been annoying. I should actually be normal!”
Haruki: “Be yourself, just don’t be annoying.”
Emily: “That’s a nice way to think of it! From now on I will be less vocal on my love of Japan.”
Haruki: “Shall we get something to eat?”
Emily: “Yes! Let’s go down to the local pizza place, they make some lovely pizzas there.”
Haruki: “Sounds like a plan!”
After they had their pizza, they went back to Emily’s flat, and slept (in separate rooms), both anticipating what the cars were like!
oyota” engine, otherwise this car is good enough reliability wise.”
