GIIAS 2018 - Day 1 major launches

An exuberant display of automobiles is currently going on in Indonesia with around 20 world’s best automotive giants coming under one roof and presenting the latest productions they’ve got not only for the local audience but for the entire world.

The 26th Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS) has witnessed some of the mesmerizing launches and car showcases on its very first day, including the global launch of the new Honda Brio, local debut of the Nissan Terra and grand showcase of models like the Suzuki Jimny, Honda HR-V facelift, the Suzuki Ignis Sport Concept and the 2018 Ertiga Sport Concept.

Here’s a highlight of the cars launches/showcased on the first day of the GIIAS 2018.

Honda Brio

Based on the Honda Small RS concept, the new Brio replaces the original 2011 Brio, gets fresh, sporty looks with sharper edges. Upfront, it gets angular headlamps with LED light guides, chrome grille and bolder fog lamps housed nicely in the corners. The rear section has also been tweaked, gets new tail lights, integrated tailgate spoiler and a big windscreen for a convenient rear view.

Interiors, on the other hand, are same as seen on the 2016 Brio facelift. The new Brio, however, gets a revised head unit while the RS variants are blessed with unique trim and badging inside the cabin.

Offered in five variants - the Brio S, E, E with CVT, RS and RS with CVT, the new Brio draws power from a 1.2-litre four-cylinder i-VTEC engine that generates 90 PS of power and 110Nm of peak torque, mated to either a 5-speed manual gearbox or a CVT system.

The base variant gets 14-inch steel wheels while the mid-range E and top-end RS variants get alloy wheels of 14 inches and 15 inches respectively. Some standard features include a double DIN head unit, dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, single zone AC and halogen headlamps. The E variants get additional features like steering audio controls and fog lamps while the RS variants get power retractable mirrors with LED signals, side skirting, faux diffuser and black-coloured roof and front grille.

Customers get a total of seven colour options to choose from, including Taffeta White, Crystal Black Pearl, Lunar Silver Metallic, Rallye Red, Attract Yellow Pearl, Modern Steel Metallic and Phoenix Orange Pearl.

Honda HR-V facelift

The HR-V facelift receives cosmetic updates, with new LED headlamps, a bigger front grille bar and a revamped front bumper. Additionally, it gets the new housing for fog lamps and new 17-inch alloys. Inside, there isn’t any major change other than the higher-spec models getting a beige-black dual-tone finish.

Other interior bits include a new 8.0-inch infotainment system with touchscreen, paddle shifters, a reverse camera, a panoramic sunroof, folding rear seats and an enhanced audio system with 5 speakers.

The engine options are two now, with a 1.5-litre petrol engine producing 122 PS and 145Nm, mated to either a 6-speed manual or a CVT, while the other 1.8-litre petrol unit churns out 141 PS and 169Nm of peak torque, coupled to a CVT.

2018 Ertiga Sport Concept

Based on the next-gen Ertiga, the concept gets a body kit, constituting smoked headlamps with LED daytime running lights, blackened front grille, power retractable ORVMs with turn signals, integrated rear spoiler, underbody spoiler and stylish alloys of either 16 or 17 inches.

Under the hood, it gets the same 1.5-litre K15B VVT petrol engine that produces 105 PS of max power and 138Nm of peak torque. The power mill would be mated to either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission. The latter being offered as an option.

Suzuki Ignis Sport Concept

Next up is the new Suzuki Ignis Sport Concept based on the standard Ignis that boasts a lot of interesting cosmetic updates. The modified Ignis gets projector headlamps with LEDs and an LED bar with DRLs instead of the chrome front bar. The side sills, skid plate and rear spoiler get the red finish that adds to its sportiness. Complementing the sporty appeal are the black alloys.

Inside, it gets all black look and features like an infotainment system with touchscreen and smartphone connectivity, climate control, audio system, dash pad, keyless entry, plusher seat upholstery and more.

Under the skin, the Ignis Sport Concept gets the same 1.2-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine with power and torque rated at 83 PS and 113Nm respectively, mated to either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed AGS.

2018 4x4 Suzuki Jimny

After getting launched in Japan last month, the 2018 Jimny takes the stage at the GIIAS 2018. It is a retro mini SUV with five-slat front grille, round headlamps and fully-flared wheel arches. The interiors are, however, in-line with the latest fashion. It gets a touchscreen infotainment system, auto climate control, circular air vents, a digital info display for the driver among others.

Some notable features on the Jimny include the lane departure warning, forward braking assist, weaving alert function, shock-absorbing seats, dual sensor brake support, traffic sign recognition and high beam assist.

What’s exclusive on the new Jimny is the Suzuki’s Allgrip Pro AWD system. There are three driving modes, including 2WD, 4WD low gear and 4WD high gear. It comes with two engine options - 0.66-litre R06A turbocharged engine and a 1.5-litre K15B engine.

Based on the Navara NP300, the Terra is powered by a 2.5-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine that is good enough for 193 PS and 450Nm, mated to a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode.

Some interesting features offered with the Terra include lane departure warning, tyre pressure monitoring system, hill start assist, blind spot warning, intelligent rearview mirror and an intelligent around view monitor.

The electronic one-touch fold of second-row seats is another impressive feature to have on an SUV. It comes in five different colour options and will be launched in Thailand by the end of this year.

Lexus ES

Last but not the least, the new Lexus ES 300h has been launched at the GIIAS. It is a hybrid model with a combination of an electric motor and a 2.5-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 218 PS of power while being mated to a CVT automatic transmission.

Equipment wise, it gets plenty of them. We mention the main ones though, a large 12.3-inch screen at the centre console, a full-colour heads-up display, a panoramic parking monitor and the Mark Levinson Pure Play surround sound system with output coming through 17 speakers.

The list doesn’t end here as it also gets a sunroof, controls for seat adjustment, audio and temperature on the rear seats, triple-zone auto climate control and ventilated/heated seats. Oh boy! How can we miss out on the full LED lighting setup on the outside?

If this can’t impress you, none is good enough. But we have more with an ultra luxurious Lexus ES that comes with additional features like electrically-operated rear recliner seats, acoustic glass windows at the rear and the semi-aniline leather seats.