Top ten cars and concepts from the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show
Mazda Kai
Mazda used the show to unveil a preview of what will become the next-generation Mazda 3, and the design didn’t disappoint. Moreover, insiders suggest the production model will look similar – something for which the company has form. Remember the Minagi?
The brand has evolved its ‘Kodo’ design language in the creation of the compact hatchback concept. Slick, taut and decidedly premium. The next-generation Mazda 3 will be the first to feature the next-generation combustion-ignition Skyactiv-X petrol engine, as well as a new architecture.
MORE: Mazda Kai Concept previews 2019 Mazda 3
Honda Sports EV
We loved the Urban EV concept from Frankfurt, and the resurgent engineer-led (once again) company has followed up.
We don’t know if this model is bound for production, but the hatch will lob by 2020. Like that car, the Sports EV concept is a pure electric model, and if doesn’t morph into a reborn Integra, we’ll be disappointed.
MORE: Honda Sports EV Concept revealed
Nissan IMx
This fully autonomous electric crossover SUV concept car looks like an origami creation, and has augmented reality HUD cabin displays and eye-based gesture control. It’s the star of the company’s stand at this year’s bustling Tokyo motor show and previews a 2022 production model.
Under the wild concept design sits a new Renault-Nissan global skateboard-style EV platform that allows a completely flat floor inside, and positions battery weight low to improve the centre of gravity. There are also two electric motors mounted front and rear, AWD capability, system outputs of 320kW/700Nm, and a 600km range.
MORE: Nissan IMx concept: First look at Japanese Tesla Model X rival
Toyota Century
This Japanese Rolls-Royce is largely hand made (only three units a day), has curtains because dark tint is passe in Japanese upper-crust society, and 16 layers of paint.
The old V8 is also gone in exchange for a V8 hybrid, and we couldn’t possibly want to be chauffeured around more… It’s basically Lexus LS underneath, but the retro design is so much cooler, right?
MORE: 2018 Toyota Century unveiled
Subaru Viziv Performance
The Viziv Performance features the company’s trademark symmetrical all-wheel drive system, a horizontally-opposed boxer engine, and is similar in size to the current WRX, albeit significantly wider and with 80mm extra space between the axles. You do the maths on what this very loosely previews then…
Other highlights include the latest EyeSight driver-assistance technologies, which should be rolling out across the brand’s portfolio “around 2020”.
MORE: Subaru VIZIV Performance concept revealed
Mitsubishi e-Evolution
While the Evolution name might conjure images of turbocharged rally cars and massive rear spoilers, the ‘e’ in the name means fully electric, with power from a high-capacity battery stowed under the floor. It’s also merely a concept, and anyone who thinks you’ll see a reborn Evo soon is very optimistic.
Still, there are some cool points, such as a trio of electric motors: two motors on the rear axle, capable of smart torque vectoring through a system dubbed ‘Dual Motor Active Yaw Control’, with a third motor on the front axle for better grip in slippery conditions. Just bloody make it!
MORE: Mitsubishi e-Evolution concept revealed in Tokyo
Mazda Vision Coupe
As is becoming a tradition for Mazda, it used its home show to showcase a vision concept, following on from the previous event’s RX-Vision.
The Vision Coupe concept, which has four doors not two, is not an extension of the RX-Vision concept, but more than likely a showcase for the future of Mazda’s large sedans. If this is the 2020 Mazda 6, sign us up…
MORE: Mazda Vision Coupe concept showcases next-generation design language
Lexus LS+
The LS+ Concept provides a peek at how the Japanese marque envisions its luxury flagship of the future. Central to the concept is a suite of autonomous driving systems, designed to deal with driving from “entrance ramp to exit ramp on motor-vehicle-only roadways”.
The system dubbed Highway Teammate has been conceived with a 2020 release date in mind. Lexus says it can keep the car in its lane and maintain a gap to the vehicle in front, merge or change lanes and exit the highway automatically. On-board artificial intelligence means the car is always learning about its surroundings. Looks ok too, right?
MORE: Lexus LS+ Concept launched in Tokyo
Yamaha Cross Hub
The problem with making such a broad range of power sports toys is finding a way to carry them all around. That’s where the Yamaha Cross Hub concept comes in. Aimed at inner-city dwellers, Yamaha says it’s “just the right size” for people who want to escape the urban grind on weekends.
Measuring 4490mm long, 1960mm wide and 1750mm tall, the Cross Hub is short, wide and tall. The driver’s seat and steering wheel are also positioned centrally, with two passengers slightly behind and to the sides, and the fourth passenger placed behind the driver. Entry to and exit from the Cross Hub is helped by the rear-hinged front doors.
Production? Almost zero chance.
MORE: Yamaha Cross Hub ute concept unveiled
Isuzu FD SI
Every Tokyo motor show features small boxy vehicles designed to maximise every inch of road space they use, and this year was no exception.
The Isuzu FD-SI delivery van concept is utterly insane and mysterious. Perfect.