26 years old, from Fukuoka Prefecture. In addition to playing guitar in the bands yonawo and TRIPPYHOUSING, he also serves as a support member for several other artists. TRIPPYHOUSING just released their second single, "For a long time," on November 13th. He's an artist who is gaining momentum and is sure to be one to watch.
Instagram: @juriank
Sedan or SUV? This streamlined form, which could be either, has a mysterious charm that reminds us of the joy of driving, the pleasure of operating, and the pleasure of cars. The Peugeot 408, which can be classified as a crossover SUV, is the latest model in the manufacturer's traditional 40"X" series. This series, which had been missing for a while in both Japan and the US after the end of production of the 407, has been revived for the first time in about 10 years.
On this day, guitarist Yuya Saito appeared holding a guitar case in both hands. The meeting place was Shimokitazawa. Yuya, who had just finished rehearsal, began by saying:
"I was really looking forward to this project. I love driving. Just this year, my roommate and I bought a new car, and we drive almost every day. I hate trains, so I basically travel by car unless I have plans to go drinking. I came to Shimokita today for rehearsal by car. I can carry a lot of equipment, and it's easier that way. I can get in whenever I want and take breaks at my own pace. You can't do that with the train."
Sleek fastback cars often sacrifice practicality, but that's not the case with the 408. The trunk's capacity is a maximum of 536L under normal conditions, and can be expanded to a maximum of 1611L by folding down the rear seats. As befits a crossover SUV, it has plenty of luggage space. It also features a hands-free electric reel gate. If you have a smart key with you, you can open the trunk automatically by simply moving your foot under the rear bumper. You can feel safe even if you're holding a guitar in both hands, like on this day.
This is the first night drive since the serialization began. The destination is Yokohama on a Friday. The view from the car window shows the downtown area, the people having fun, and the jazz music that happens to be playing on the radio. All of these things are more saturated by the night and are beautifully colored.
"This car is incredibly quiet. Because of my job, I often travel long distances in what is called an 'equipment vehicle,' and the interior is so noisy that it's difficult to have a conversation. On the other hand, this '408' is quiet and comfortable, contrary to its appearance. The interior is also incredibly stylish."
The 408, which uses a plug-in hybrid system that runs on both gasoline and a rechargeable battery, can travel approximately 66km on electricity alone. There is no vibration or noise typical of an engine, so you can enjoy a quiet drive. For short trips such as commuting or shopping, it can be easily done on electricity alone. Of course, when the electricity runs out, it switches to the gasoline engine, so you don't have to worry if there is no charging spot nearby. By the way, even with the gasoline engine, the fuel efficiency is surprisingly good at 17.1km/L.
The radio resonated loudly in the quiet car. Suddenly, a jazzy Nat King Cole song came on and Yuya spoke softly.
"I have the feeling that music just comes into my head when I'm in the car. I'll save up songs I want to listen to and play them in the car, or I'll just shuffle the music and listen to a song that comes on by chance. It's the same with discovering songs on the radio. I often use the inspiration I get from these experiences in my own performances.
Also, I often learn songs while I'm on the move. I learn the phrases rather than the music sheet, and I learn the progression of the song by ear. That way, it becomes more familiar to my body than reading the music sheet. Before a live performance, I'll loop the same song and sing the guitar phrases with my mouth. A car is just a means of transportation, but for me it's more than that.
After stuffing his face with the braised pork buns in Chinatown, Yuya reflected on that evening's drive.
"It was a good experience. Peugeots are great. This 408 in particular is spacious, quiet, and doesn't shake, it's the best. The interior feels like you're in a cockpit, it's kind of futuristic. The lack of a shift lever and the 3D gauges really appeal to a man.
As I said before, for me, a car is not just a means of transportation, but a part of my workplace. In that sense, it's better to have a good environment. Would you let me record in this car next time? (laughs)
・Peugeot / 408 GT HYBRID
Right-hand drive
・4,700mm×1,850mm×1,500mm
・Capacity: 5 people
Vehicle weight: 1,740kg
Engine: Inline 4-cylinder DOHC turbo 1,598cc
Maximum output: 132kW (225ps) / 6,000rpm
Maximum torque: 250Nm / 1,750rpm
Fuel supply system: Electronically controlled fuel injection
Fuel used / Tank capacity: Unleaded premium / 40L
-Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Tires: 205/55 R19
- Suspension: Front / strut, rear / torsion beam
Total power: 12.4kW
・Maximum motor output: 81kW (110ps) / 2,500rpm
Maximum motor torque: 320Nm /
500-2,500rpm
・Hybrid fuel consumption: 17.1km/L
・Hybrid urban mode (WLTC-L): 12.7km/L
・Hybrid suburban mode (WLTC-M): 18.3 km/L
・Hybrid highway mode (WLTC-H): 19.1 km/L
・EV driving distance (equivalent EV range): 66km
- Driving distance when using charging power (plug-in range): 66km
・AC power consumption rate: 193Wh/km
- Urban mode (WLTC-L): 202 Wh/km
- Suburban mode (WLTC-M): 194 Wh/km
- Highway mode (WLTC-H): 195 Wh/km
・Energy consumption per charge: 11.53 Wh / time
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