Bucket Seat: Toyota Corolla Cross

Toyota launched the "new Corolla Cross" this week ahead of their state of the nation motoring conference at Kyalami this week. The refreshed look of the Cross which has been a firm favourite amongst locals when it was first launched. With the introduction of the hybrid model and the combination of the then silicon chip shortage, meant that prospective buyers had to wait quite some time to get their cars. Regardless, this did not deter them and the amount of Corolla Cross's on the road now speaks volume for the car itself. 

This new, revised model see's major cosmetic changes to the front with a new style grille and front facia giving the car a more cleaner look. The headlights have been revised  which feature sequential turn signals, enhance visibility and a modern touch. Exclusive to the XR and GR-S models are uniquely shaped B--Beam LED lamps and crystal like LED daytime running lights. The rear while not looking that much different to the previous gen, does get a new light design featuring  an inner lens for greater precision and uniformity.  The Cross now has two new colours to the line up, Brass Gold and Oxide Bronze to give the line-up a nice shake up. 

The interior also receives some upgrades with premium materials being used now with real stitching on the instrument panel and console lid, along with high quality floor mats with heel pad. The Corolla Cross now comes with an electric parking brake, doing away with the foot brake on the old model. USB C ports all around the car and rear reclining seats for added comfort. 

The new Corolla Cross is more than just an SUV; it is a continuation of the iconic Corolla legacy. It combines Toyota’s renowned quality, durability, and reliability (QDR) with a forward-thinking approach to sustainability. As a leader in hybrid vehicle technology, the Corolla Cross serves as a bridge between Toyota’s rich history and its future aspirations. Toyota’s reputation for durability and a robust dealer network continues to ensure that the Corolla Cross remains an attractive offering in South Africa’s highly competitive SUV market.

Xi Models	Xs Models	XR and GR-S Models
·         LED Headlamp ·         Smart Entry ·         ABS + EBD + VSC + HAC ·         Cruise Control ·         5 airbags (D + D-knee + P + Side) ·         Electric Parking Brake ·         8” Display Audio ·         4.2” Combination Meter ·         Parking Sensors (Rear x2) ·         Rear Aircon Ducts + 2x USBs Seat B	·         Leather Seats, Shift Lever & Knob ·         3 spoke leather Steering Wheel ·         10” Display Audio + Wireless CarPlay ·         7” Combination Meter ·         Auto Dual Zone Air conditioner ·         Black Roof Rails ·         Parking Sensors (FR x2 + RR x4)	·         Toyota Safety Sense (Adaptive Cruise Control; Pre-crash with front cross traffic alert and Lane Keeping System with Lane Trace Assist) ·         7 Airbags including Curtain Side ·         Auto High Beam + Sequential Turn Signal ·         12.3” Full Digital Meter ·         Electrochromatic Rear View Mirror ·         360° Panoramic View Monitor ·         Power Back Door + Kick Sensor

Pricing on the new Corolla Cross is as follows, with it retaining the two engines, a 1.8 litre petrol and ultra-fuel efficient 1.8 litre Hybrid. While with the introduction the new Xi trim level, the HEV wont be available in this trim. 

• 
  Corolla Cross 1.8 Xi – R414 800
• Corolla Cross 1.8 Xs – R452 200
• Corolla Cross 1.8 Xs HEV – R494 400
• Corolla Cross 1.8 XR – R501 500
• Corolla Cross 1.8 XR HEV – R545 200
• Corolla Cross 1.8 GR-S – R518 200
• Corolla Cross 1.8 GR-S HEV – R561 700

Bucket Seat: Toyota Corolla Hybrid

There's certain cars that are just all round winners in the market, a car that no one can fault and they just work. One of those cars is the Toyota Corolla, I don't need to dive into the heritage of this model from the Japanese motor manufacturing giant as its roots are firmly set in SA having being assembled at the Prospecton plant for many years. It's the ideal family car, with a spacious interior, comfortable ride and engines that match everyone's preference, and building on this Toyota have expanded their engine offering with a Hybrid model in the current line up. A very smart move by them, offering one of the most affordable hybrid sedans on the market. I had the opportunity to spend a week with this model, taking it on my daily commute as well as my long distance work travels and it performed its duty diligently every time. Join me as I delve into my time spent with this car as I get to explore everything that it has to offer. 

DESIGN

I'm a big fan of the design on the new Corolla, it's very modern approach to the latest Toyota design language that see's them use lots of smoother lines and lots of curves. The angular details and trims give the car a sporty edge, while there are similarities to the sister company Lexus noticeable in certain areas, but it still remains distinctly Toyota. The sculptured outer body is equally matched by an attractive but practical interior. That is ultimately the Corolla's goal, to be a practical and affordable sedan for the masses. It's design brief is to be not controversial but appeal to almost everyone and I think Toyota have been doing this very well with the previous models but this one they did tinker on the wild side a bit with the car have a very modern edgy look. The car looks fantastic and I don't think anyone can fault its appearance, the colour I had on test was Glacier White, which for me is the best colour in the range as it really brings out all the lines of the car and has that speckled metallic finish that makes it look extra great in the sun. 

PERFORMANCE

This is the real star of the car, the 1.8-litre petrol combustion engine mated with the electric motor that generates a combined power output of 103kW with 142Nm of torque. The 4-cylinder engine is the perfect size for the cars body and size, the electric motor helps with the take off and coasting which in-turn lowers fuel economy allowing the Corolla Hybrid to achieve a claimed 3.9 litres per 100km. Having had the car for a week, and doing some long distance traveling with it, which included some light gravel road travels, I managed to get the economy down to 4.4-litres per 100km which is not bad given that trying to achieve the claimed figure in most cars is near impossible most of the time. Power delivery is instant with the electric motor being on standby since the time you switch the car on, once the required power is increased, the combustion engine kicks in to take over. At coasting speeds the combustion engine does take a backseat to allow the electric motor to assist with the cruising of the car and this is done without the driver or occupants even knowing. Toyota's hybrid tech is still one of the best on the market and I still haven't driven another manufacturer that has a better system than Toyota and Lexus. 

COMFORT

Do I really need to elaborate on this? It's a Corolla! These cars are known for their spacious interiors, comfortable, no fuss ride quality and it gets better with the Hybrid model as its based on the XR model which comes with leather seats and an extra silent engine. The tech that is standard in the new Corolla is brilliant, with standard features normally coasting you a few extra thousand bucks in other cars. Safety is of paramount interest in the Corolla with it coming with active guidance cruise control, lane departure warning, active steering and front and rear PDC's. There is a reverse camera too just to make sure of your parking. 5-airbags as standard with Toyota Safety Sense. It has a smart key with smart entry tat allows you to unlock and lock the car with smart sensors on the door handles. 

VERDICT

It's a no brainer for me, being a Corolla owner, having the option to get a hybrid power unit just makes sense. It's the perfect family car for people on a budget, its super comfortable and the reliability is second to none. With its good looks and sporty appearance, stunning interior with large touch screen infotainment unit that has built-in wireless mobile applications as well as details on the power units, there's nothing more you need in a car. Pricing is a bit steep but compared to the other cars on the market, this is a winner if you're looking for an affordable hybrid car that has a great name behind it. 

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	1.8-litre petrol with hybrid electric
Gear Box	CVT Auto
Torque	142Nm
Power	103kW (combined)
Fuel Economy	3.9 litres per 100km
Price	R548,200

Bucket Seat: Toyota Hybrid - Corolla & RAV4

Toyota have always been the leaders in Hybrid technology, ever since they launched their first generation Prius back in 1997. This weird looking Corolla type sedan boasted both a petrol combustion engine which was assisted by an electric motor, the world was confused but excited at this new dual powertrain system that would echo the start of the electrical revolution and evolution in motoring. While the Prius was never everyone's cup of tea, it really did the most in raising awareness of Hybrid technology. World leaders and celebs opted for this car as it did have a lower emissions rating and saved fuel. There was a problem though, it was extremely costly and as a result, Toyota never expanded this technology to any other of their models but opted to introduce it to their luxury division, Lexus. This would mean that they could fit Hybrid powertrains in regular models and justify the price tag as such. As time went on, and the Hybrid got more popular, Toyota in Japan and the US started introducing Hybrid models in larger variants of their cars such as certain SUVs and the Camry, this proved to be even more popular with buyers as they could get their favourite models with the environmentally friendly drive technology. Unfortunately for us in South Africa, we could only sit and watch as the first world got to experience this in Toyota models but that was until now. 

Yes, Toyota have just announced that they are introducing two new Hybrid models to the market, in the RAV4 and the Corolla with a third coming soon in the Corolla Cross guise. Both models have unique Hybrid power trains with Atkinson cycle technology that provide power to the car with respective power outputs based on the size of the models. 

The RAV4 Hybrid features a 2.5L Hybrid powertrain which can be found in Lexus models such as the ES and NX300h. It features a large four cylinder motor with direct injection that generates 131kW and 221Nm in "ICE" state. The electric motor punches out 88kW and 202Nm at a maximum state of charge to deliver a total system output of 160kW. Power is pushed to the front wheels via a CVT transmission which seamlessly integrates the two drive sources. This translates to a fuel consumption index of just 4.7L/100km with CO2 emissions registering 107g/km. Quite remarkable for a 5-seater SUV!

The Corolla on the other hand features a smaller 1.8L, four-cylinder engine with the electric motor churning out 53kW and 163Nm at full capacity, which boosts the overall system output to 90kW. While the two systems have higher power outputs, Toyota says that due to transmission reduction losses, this does affect the total output. This still isn't bad when looking at the overall power-to-weight ratio. The Corolla also features a CVT gearbox to assist with the dual powertrain feeding power to the front wheels. Claimed fuel consumption on the Corolla is just 3.5L/100km which theoretically gives the Corolla Hybrid a range of over 1200km on a single tank!

Both models come equipped with everything you'd find in your standard RAV4 and Corolla models with the added details to make it known you're in a Hybrid. The Corolla Hybrid is maxed at the Xs spec level, which is the mid-tier grade which combines all the key comfort and convenience features while keeping the Hybrids more pragmatic bias. The RAV4 Hybrid comes in a tweaked GX trim which strikes a balance between core convenience, value for money and luxury. Both cars come with a six-service or 90 000km service plan as standard with service intervals pegged at 15 000km/ 12 moths. Toyotas standard 3-year/100 000k warranty is included as well as an 8-year/ 195 000km Hybrid battery warranty for additional peace of mind, pricing on the models are as follows.

RAV4 GX Hybrid CVT - R555 300

Corolla XS Hybrid CVT - R419,900

Bucket Seat: Toyota Corolla Sedan XR (Manual)

If you had to mention the Toyota Corolla, it wouldn't really spring excitement to anyone, it's not that sort of car. For years its been one the brands best selling cars, with it being priced right, the perfect size and most importantly having that great reliability and holding a good resale value. The Corolla also had its roots in SA with it being assembled in the plant in Durban so for many of the locals, it meant a lot to own one. However, with the latest generation of the Corolla, much of what I've just told you has changed. Toyota have chose to cut it from the assembly line in Prospecton and get the model fully imported, the car is no long mundane but rather exciting while still having great reliability as well as giving the consumer bang for every buck they spend on it. Being a Corolla owner myself, I was very much looking forward to spending some time in the new model to see what all the fuss was about, and from the first instant I knew exactly why. 

DESIGN

No matter who you are, you can't deny that the new Corolla looks great, I mean we all saw the hatch last year and were blown away by the design. A car that we were so used to being run of the mill, playing it safe design has transformed into this elegant and sporty being. The Sedan is no different as it sports the exact same front but with a boot, and I can it's not an eyesore as compared to many hatch come sedan models. This one actually works and blends in beautifully! Toyota's new design language is really pronounced in this design, with it borrowing some elements from its sister company Lexus. The Corolla has a large front grille which is the main feature of the front end, with lights that swoop from either end to meet in the middle where the badge sits proudly. The daytime running LED lights pronounce the shape of the headlamp which follows the swoop down to the wheel arch where its met with the front bumper in a rather bulky but sporty fashion. The cuts and lines really give the car dimension but doesn't seem overdone. The side profile is very similar to the previous generation model but with new large 18 inch bi-colour rims, it makes it hard to notice. The rear end of the car is tied up nicely with the rear lights following the swoop of the tailgate and have beading along the back linking both together. The rear diffuser has a large blacked out portion which adds to the aggressive look as well as some faux vents on either side. Overall, stunning look car even in white. 

PERFORMANCE

The previous generation Corolla saw the highest engine being a naturally aspirated 1.8-litre and many thought that would be the end of the legendary 2.0-litre engine for the Corolla's but somehow the guys in Japan went back on their decision for this latest model offering it both a 1.8 and 2.0, the one I had was the range topping XR model in the 2.0 option. Performance wise, it was quite responsive with the manual gearbox, offering 200Nm of torque and 125kW. On the road it was sublime, I've never experienced a ride like this in a Toyota Sedan, and my dad has a Camry so I should know! The feel was solid, the power was on point, there was no time I found myself fighting for torque, down changing for sudden loss of power or any of that. The engine even at low revs still manages to cope when going up hill and even if there is a need to down change its virtually effortless. I do wonder how the CVT gearbox would cope in situations like this but I'll reserve judgement on that until I get one to drive. 

COMFORT

Being a medium sized family car, the Corolla is rather spacious, decked out in half leather, half material trim the seats looked good but felt even better. Remember how I spoke about how good the ride quality is? Well the seats also have a part to play in that as they are super comfortable. I know, that is the last thing you'd be expecting me to say about a Corolla but I will go on the record on saying that that the ride in this new Corolla is even better than some of the luxury German sedans I've reviewed in the past. The Corolla is also packed with standard features that you would pay an arm and two legs for in European models. The drivers seat is fully electric adjustable, it has voice command, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, a large infotainment screen which has Android Auto and Apple Car Play pre-loaded, voice control and all one touch power windows. The Corolla also has smart keyless entry, Bi-LED headlamps which are damn great, would have been nice if they had adaptive lights but that's not a biggy. One small gripe I did have with it, was that it didn't have auto lock on the doors when driving so you had to manually lock the door all the time. I mean my Corolla is 7 years old now and it has that!

VERDICT

Have Toyota done the Corolla justice with this new model? Hell yes, in fact I think they knocked it out the park! To me, this model ushers in a new era for the model, saying that its no longer just the middle class sedan as its coming to knock on the doors of some of the heavy weights. With Toyota's pricing point, keeping this model well under R500,000 and the features it has as standard, it really will get keener interest from people who are looking to get a new car but not sure if its worth spending that extra 80 to 100 thousand on a German or European model. With the Toyota Corolla Quest on offer, that will still attract the lower income earners that just want a decent family size sedan that is comfortable and has the necessary equipment to keep everyone happy. This XR model is brilliant in my books and even has me considering a trade in on my Sprinter, but don't tell it that as it might get jealous!

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	2L, 4cyl
Gear Box	6-Speed Manual
Torque	200Nm
Power	125kW
Consumption	6.5L/100km
Price	R420,500

 

Bucket Seat: New Toyota Corolla Sedan

Toyota's Corolla has for the past few decades been a very important car for the local market, apart from it being assembled in their plant just outside Durban, it has been a key vehicle for the company as it was one of the models to drive their sales. With the recent adaptations of the out going models taking on the Quest badge, offering a similar vehicle but with less of the luxury additions, it's seen managed to core in another market for sales for the Japanese motor manufacturer, leaving the Corolla to take on a more luxurious appeal to consumers. With that, the all-new Corolla which was launched last year February to the local market saw a much more refined model hitting the market, built on the latest TNGA platform and being fully imported, it the first time in a long time the local consumer was getting a mid ranged vehicle from the brand that was not assembled locally. There definitely is a lot of Euro influence in the styling and the quality in build and materials was noticeable instantly. It was also the first time South Africa was introduced to the "Corolla Hatch" as previously the naming convention was always different for the Corolla with no boot, Conquest, RunX Auris, Auris X but Toyota chose to ditch that idea and simply call it for what it was. 

A year on now, and finally South Africans are getting to see the all-new Corolla Sedan, from what I can see so far, it was definitely worth the weight. With the hatchback variant already receiving rave reviews from all over, the sedan will surely get the same sort of views, with the car boasting enhanced driving dynamics and ride comfort, as well as a comprehensive suite of driver assistance safety features, a first for a Corolla. The car also comes with all the latest technological additions like other models on the market with built-in Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making it a very attractive offering in the C segment. 

Pricing for the new Corolla is also very attractive with it being offered in 2 engine variants with a manual option as well as a new 10-speed continuously variable transmission, not how I negated to abbreviate that one as CVT is seen like a curse word in the industry but I take my hat off to Toyota, when it was first introduced, it was a terrible but they've stuck to their guns and persisted with the system, fine tuning it to the product they have today and after sampling it in the CH-R, I cannot fault it. The gearbox assists not only the engine but manages your fuel consumption so well, it will leave your bank balance with a big smile. 

The range topping model will be the Corolla XR which comes with the new TNGA 2.0L petrol engine which produces 125kW and 200Nm or torque will be offered in a 6-speed manual or the 10 speed auto box, the mid-range XS will be equipped with the 104kW 1.8L petrol engine which only comes with the CVT gearbox. Other noticeable features for the new Corolla sedan are Smart Entry, Bi-LED headlights with auto high beam assist, 19-inch laser cut rims, electrochromatic rear-view mirror, Toyota's Safety System which includes Pre-Crash activation, Blind Spot Monitor, Adaptive All-Speed Cruise Control and Lane Departue Alert. The Corolla brand has really come a long way and Toyota are really proud of these 3 models that are making their entry to the country and with good reason. It's been a firm favourite with the locals for a long time and with the arrival of this new one, I cannot see anything changing. The cars are well priced, well equipped and they look stunning.  

Prices and Specs

• Corolla 1.8 XS CVT - R372,700
• Corolla 2.0 XR manual - R412,300
• Corolla 2.0 XR CVT - R425,200

Bucket Seat: KIA Cerato - First Impressions

The compact sedan market is hotting up as the luxury sedan segment pricing seems to be rocketing up, consumers, especially the middle class earners are looking for affordable family vehicles but also should look good and have most of the bells and whistles that you would expect from a compact sedan. For years Toyota have dominated this aspect in the market with their Corolla, and to this day remains one of the best selling vehicles in its class, worldwide! But over the recent years, the Korean's have come to the fight and they got the weapons to match. A little over 10 years ago I watched an interview and interview of the President of Toyota, of which he was asked if he fears the competition from VW, and he replied, no, its the Korean car-makers which he worries about .Fast forward to present day, and you will see what he was talking about. The likes of Hyundai and KIA have stormed the market with their variety of vehicles and exceptional service and guarantees. 

This week saw KIA launch their 3rd generation Cerato sedan, a car which has done reasonably well in SA, well not so much the actual sedan but rather the variants with the hatch and Koup being the popular ones from the line-up. Not sure what the reason for that was, maybe the styling? If that was indeed the case, then this new Cerato shouldn't have the same problem as it looks great! Unlike the Rio and Picanto we tested last year, the design of the front is more on the lines of the new Sportage with a similar angled grille and elongated headlamps. The rear ties in quite nicely with the car as well and also similar to the Sportage rear with the straight-line tailgate linking the both rear lights. From the pictures, it looks like they're LED lights as well. 

Moving on to the interior, it is very similar to the Rio, slightly more spacious though. Interesting to note is that it comes standard with the 8" touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, as this was an optional extra or model dependent in the Rio and Picanto, it however for the US market, I'm hoping it also applies to the local market. I did mention in my review of either car that it is a must as it integrates so well with your smart phone, from navigation, to phone calls, it even reads out sms's and whatsapp messages to you. The Cerato has some nice options for the interior, like a wireless charging tray and a 320-watt sound system that has been developed with Harman Kardon! I'm liking this car already. In terms of safety, the car comes with the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) which is offered in many of the other premium models and now is featured in the Cerato. It has blind-spot collision warning, lane keeping assist, it also comes with forward collision avoidance assist and smart cruise control which maintains a specific distance to the car in front of you. 

Performance wise, the new Cerato comes powered with a 2.0L Nu four-cylinder engine that benefits from Atkinson Cycle technology and cooled EGR system. They have eliminated the CVT transmission and developed the IVT with adaptive style shift logic with a chain-type belt instead of a push belt, which is a first in the compact class.They have also reduced engine noise by wrapping the transmission case in a sound-insulated cover to help minimise the "drone" associated with this technology. The engine pushes out the same figures as the current Cerato, with 110kW and 179Nm of torque but efficiency levels have been bettered with an approximate 6.7L/100km. KIA's have some of the best Eco figures from the host of cars I've test so I can only imagine this must be just as good. 

Overall this looks like a very exciting new addition to the compact sedan market, certainly has a more premium feel to it than its competitors. While the battle for the top spot may be dominated by Toyota with its Corolla, Hyundai's Elantra might have some good competition with the Cerato for the battle of second place.

love this cheeky little advert from KIA comparing the Cerato to the Aventador 

Bucket Seat: Toyota Corolla D4D

If you look up the botanic meaning of "Corolla" it will come up with a flower, well it's actually the name given to the petals which surround the reproductive parts of the flower, almost as a shield against the elements. Something which personifies the car almost to the T for me and for many locals as well. There's just something about the Toyota Corolla, that holds a dear place in most South African motorists heart. Whether it is due to it being assembled on our doorstep at Toyota's plant in Durban or the fact that it's proven to be over the decades as one of the most reliable and affordable family sedans for us South Africans on the market, whatever it is, every Corolla that rolled off the line at the plant in Prospecton has had major success not only locally but internationally as well. In fact, I myself own a Toyota Corolla, bought it brand new as my first car and it's still going strong almost as the day I took delivery of it, so that's why when I took the keys to test out this all new Corolla, it was almost nostalgic that I was about to drive a newer version of something that became a part of my life all those years ago. 

STYLE

The Corolla was never a car to win any awards for styling, with it mostly being conservative and practical but with this new shape, I have to admit that whilst we're so used to the boring aspects that relate to the car over the years, the designers have made significant effort to not only make this new spec Corolla look good but also confiscated as well. It didn't take much mind you, minor details which radically changed the look of the car for the better from its launch model. For starters the front end has been redesigned with longer sleeker headlights which follows the swooping grille of the car and matches well with the chrome detailing. The front diffuser has taken a more masculine look with vertical lines making the car look broader. Nothing much has changed in the rear end apart from the indicator and reverse lights tying into the chrome boot lid. 

PERFORMANCE

I had the diesel derivative engine in the Prestige package, in previous models the D4D was a 2 liter engine, now with turbo technology, Toyota has developed a 1.4 liter D4D engine which blew me away. While having the 6 speed manual gearbox did help, I found the car really responsive but not torque heavy like most other diesels on the market. The huge touch screen display gave a nice feature look at your performance and economy when driving, which assisted me in easing off the pedal to achieve the best possible fuel economy. Gear changes were smooth and the clutch was super responsive. But overall for a 55L tank averaging about 750km on one tank, I was very impressed. 

COMFORT

As far as comfort goes, you can't really beat a Corolla, the cabin space is big and the seats super comfortable. I'm glad to see the same high quality of leather being used in the Corolla as used in the Fortuner and other models. The cabin it self is a really nice place to be, especially for the driver, as mentioned before the car does come with a huge touch screen multimedia system with DVD and Bluetooth Audio and telephonic capabilities. The steering wheel controls are a bit different to the previous generation models and I feel the older ones were better, there is more functionality for these but they just feel a bit cheap. For the passengers at the back, they can look forward to quite a comfortable journey as well, plenty of room for 2 adults and you can squeeze in a 3rd if need be. I was a bit disappointed with the aircon, with it not being climate control and the usual turn the knob style system. 

STORAGE

When it comes to storage in Toyota sedans, there is nothing to be worried about as there is always ample space. The new Corolla is just the same, with a massive boot which has a capacity of 452L and  also has a full size spare wheel below and tools. On the inside it has a large cubby and a storage box between the driver and the passenger as well as below the aircon panel for small stuff such as credit cards and loose change. 

VERDICT

It's hard not to like the Corolla, especially this new one, while it falls short on certain aspects you have to realise what market its targeting and with the pricing, that market is getting a whole lot of stuff for the price they're paying. When I first saw the price of this model I was taken back thinking it was a bit stiff but if you have to compare it to alternatives on the market which match the D4D Corolla, there is really little to chose from. I really like the fact that Toyota have given the car a premium feel with small touches that really enhance the car and can confidently say this will do harm to the legacy that previous Corolla's have already built. 

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	1.4 liter Diesel 4 cylinder
Gear Box	6 speed manual
Power	66kW
Torque	205Nm
Top Speed	220km/h
Fuel Tank	55L
Price	R 307,500*