Kymco is a familiar scooter lineup in Japan. The company is a Taiwanese manufacturer that produces not only motorcycles but also so-called “four-wheel buggies” such as ATVs (all terrain vehicles) and UTVs (utility task vehicles).
ATVs and UTVs are vehicles that are in demand mainly in North America and Europe, but have also been sold in Japan since 2017 by Kymco Japan, and are used for transportation and leisure use, e.g. in dairy farming and agriculture etc.. New models have been added to the ATV and UTV.
New ATV: MXU700EXi EPS
ATV races are being actively conducted in the United States, and the “MXU700” series, which is used in the traditional off-road race GNCC (Grand National Cross Country), has undergone a full model change.
In terms of design, the front area has been redesigned into an aggressive appearance that looks like a “Transformers” robot. The opening area of the radiator grille has also been expanded, and the airflow to the radiator has been improved. In addition, the fuel tank located behind the radiator in the conventional model has been relocated under the rear seat, resulting in lower center of gravity. The price is 1,296,000 yen ($12,104.
The engine is equipped with a 695cc OHC 4-valve water-cooled single cylinder that produces 38.6 horsepower. The transmission has a continuously variable high / low sub-transmission mechanism with CVT. In addition, the drive method can be changed to 2WD / 4WD / Diff lock 4WD with a switch at hand.
The body size is 2210mm in total and 1220mm in width, which is more than one size smaller than a mini car. The suspension is a “double A-arm system” with excellent trackability on the front and rear. Stabilizers are standard on the rear suspension, with 63 degrees of approach angle and 66 degrees of departure angle.
Standard features are sufficient, it is equipped with electric power steering, glove box with USB charging socket, tandem seat & grab bar, parking brake, etc.
New UTV: UXV450i
UTV is ideal for rough terrain, such as dairy farms, farms, campsites and ski slopes. UTV is a vehicle with high off-road performance that emphasizes practicality, compared to ATV with strong leisure and sports elements.
It is 2700mm in length, 1440mm in width and 490kg in dry weight, and it is lightweight and compact, and can be loaded on a 1-ton truck. Various applications can be expected depending on the idea. The price is 1.35 million yen ($2,615 US Dollar).
The engine is equipped with a 443cc OHC 4-valve water-cooled single cylinder that produces 33 horsepower. The transmission has a continuously variable high and low sub-transmission with CVT. The drive method can be changed to 2WD / 4WD / Diff lock 4WD with a switch at hand.
The body has a strong frame structure, which allows 4WD hard off-road driving. It is also connected to a roll cage that protects the occupants, ensuring high rigidity.
Like the MX700 series, the suspension is a “double A-arm system” that has excellent performance. The rear suspension is equipped with a stabilizer as standard, and has irregular road and rough road running performance with an approach angle of 75 degrees and a departure angle of 80 degrees.
This UTV is a workhorse with maximum loading capacity of 200 kg. It also features a high practicality, such as a tow hitch that can pull up to 500 kg, a trunk under the seat, a glove box, and a rear gate accessory case.
