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If this 12 months’s Japan Mobility Present in Tokyo confirmed us something, it’s that the Japanese automotive business nonetheless has loads of struggle left in it.
Everyone seems to be speaking in regards to the indefatigable rise of the Chinese language automotive business, which is placing manufacturers from Japan, Korea, Europe, the US and others on discover.
Nevertheless, Japan nonetheless has a few of the world’s hottest automotive manufacturers, and its producers don’t seem like resting on their laurels.
Simply have a look at juggernaut Toyota, for instance, which is rolling out a brand new halo model to assist encourage its compatriots. It additionally has a chunky new compact off-roader, the LandCruiser FJ, that appears to the previous, and confirmed off an aggressively styled Corolla idea that appears to the longer term.
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Nissan didn’t have a lot to crow about aside from a brand new technology of its widespread domestic-market Elgrand, whereas Suzuki was arguably overshadowed by fellow small-car specialist Daihatsu.
Mazda revealed yet one more idea with a rotary engine (will they construct this one?) and appeared to preview a brand new entry-level automobile, whereas Mitsubishi had a good-looking quad-motor plug-in hybrid SUV idea readily available and Subaru had a duo of scorching STI ideas to point out off.
Honda had a few new EVs, certainly one of which is coming to Australia, whereas Lexus shared extra on its upcoming twin-turbo V8-powered supercar whereas previewing a few doable instructions for its next-generation LS which seems set to ditch the sedan form that has lengthy outlined it.
So, a busy present! However which autos have been our favourites?
Alborz Fallah: Century Idea
I’ve mentioned it for years, but when Toyota Australia ever decides to convey its super-luxury, dependable Rolls-Royce-like Century SUV to Australia, I would be the first one to put an order.
The Century coupe idea revealed this 12 months seems completely terrific – the proper mix of favor, tremendous luxurious and highway presence.
The truth that it lacks a Rolls-Royce or Bentley badge is a bonus solely when it’s one thing with wealthy if area of interest heritage, which is strictly how I’ve at all times seen Century.
Please Toyota Australia. Individuals love high-end, low-volume autos right here, and this factor shall be stable and bulletproof, and can most likely price $300k, however there’s a marketplace for it and I simply need one.
MORE: Toyota reveals Rolls-Royce-rivalling Century Idea, the ‘Delight of Japan’
Marton Pettendy: Mazda Imaginative and prescient-X Coupe idea
It may not be fairly as horny because the Iconic SP coupe idea, which employed a twin-rotor range-extender EV powertrain, however the Imaginative and prescient X-Coupe is sort of as smooth and has the added practicality of 4 doorways – and the attract of a rotary engine that truly powers its wheels.
If a plug-in hybrid system is the one utility through which Mazda can resurrect its hallowed rotary engine in an emissions-focused future, a 375kW all-wheel drive sports activities sedan with rotary energy and a 160km electric-only vary shall be simply effective by me.
MORE: Mazda retains the rotary alive: Twin-rotor hybrid idea alerts future sports activities revival
James Wong: Honda Tremendous-One and Century’s world growth
I’ll begin with the disclosure that I attended 2025 Japan Mobility Present with Honda, however I’m tremendous excited by the brand new Tremendous-One and what its Australian market affirmation represents for the model.
As somebody who has grown up with Hondas and Subarus, Japanese manufacturers that have been as soon as talked about in the identical sentence as premium marques like BMW for his or her driver enjoyment and engineering growth, the Tremendous-One seems like a sign that Honda is returning to the corporate that all of us fell in love with.
The Tremendous-One is a threat, a press release that Honda is as soon as once more prepared to experiment and check out new issues. In Australia, increasingly more manufacturers are leaving the compact segments behind as a result of it’s ‘too exhausting’ or ‘not worthwhile sufficient’, so it’s good to see that in lieu of a brand new Jazz (RIP), Honda is prepared to re-enter that smaller a part of the market with one thing totally different and thrilling. That’s an actual embodiment of what the corporate stands for.
For related causes I’ve picked Century as my second winner from the present – not simply the idea, however the ultra-luxury arm of Toyota, which introduced it can turn out to be a completely fledged model and department outdoors of Japan and the few different markets through which it at present competes.
Like Honda, Toyota is usually related to being ‘secure’ and never all that thrilling. However there are many fashions that Toyota doesn’t promote in Australia – particularly the Century and Crown lineups, and I’m nonetheless not giving up on the latter – which actually do spark the curiosity of fans like myself and little doubt different demographics the model could not at present attraction to.
With all of the discuss of premium and luxurious Chinese language merchandise coming in to tackle the Europeans, it’s time that the Japanese acquired again into that dialog.
Lexus has finished a effective job by itself, however Century takes it to a complete new stage, and the diploma of opulence the Century and Century SUV provide would even make a Genesis really feel nearly pedestrian.
Welcome again Japan, we’ve missed you.
MORE: 2026 Honda Tremendous-One: Kei-class EV confirmed for Australia
Damion Smy: Century Idea
JMS was considerably of a renaissance for the Japanese business as China flexes its manufacturing muscle.
But the last word flex? The Century. Not due to the way it seems, however extra what it represents: a love letter to Akio Toyoda’s forefathers, a name to invigorate the Japanese automotive business – and by doing that, a name to encourage the entire nation.
Traditional Toyota, pulling out a hero when its again is towards the wall, however what a option to get up a nation!
MORE: Toyota reveals Rolls-Royce-rivalling Century Idea, the ‘Delight of Japan’
Sean Lander: Toyota HiAce ideas
When individuals consider a HiAce, most consider the plumber coming to repair your pipes, however Toyota has proven how far more it may be.
The idea medical van and trade-spec items on show on the present reveal how versatile vans actually are, and with some fairly easy expertise they’re elevated far past a mere supply or commerce automobile.
The cellular medical centre, full with disabled entry chairs and big screens that can be utilized to assist educate sufferers or different drivers, can be a game-changer in a rustic like Australia, the place huge distances can restrict individuals from getting the assistance or medication they want.
An honourable point out has the go to the Joby/Toyota flying uber. An precise plane that may perform, be moderately quiet, and have the backup redundancies that helicopters don’t? Signal me up for a type of.
Ben Zachariah: Mazda Imaginative and prescient-X Coupe idea
Whereas there have been loads of ideas and production-ready reveals to get enthusiastic about from this 12 months’s Japan Mobility Present, it was – maybe predictably – the Mazda Imaginative and prescient X-Coupe that struck a chord with my heartstrings.
However Mazda has finished this earlier than – twice, the truth is – exhibiting off smooth ideas over the previous decade with the promise of rotary powertrains, neither of which has come to fruition. Making me look slightly extra silly (or gullible) every time I write a information story in regards to the ‘RX-9’.
However I proceed to carry out hope. As a result of automotive firms want heroes – aspirational fashions that exhibit the extremes of engineering and design.
As a teen, I lusted after the BMW E39 M5, and ended up getting an E34 535i. My mate liked Nissan Skylines and Silvias, and his first automotive was an N12 Pulsar ET Turbo. If you wish to promote Mazda 2 and three fashions, and hook patrons to your model, it’s essential give them a purpose.
I do hope Mazda overcomes no matter is stopping it from greenlighting the RX-9. And when that occurs, I hope it’s as near the Imaginative and prescient X-Coupe idea as doable, as a result of that factor is correctly cool.
MORE: Mazda plug-in hybrid rotary, metropolis automotive ideas unveiled
Josh Nevett: Toyota Corolla Idea
An entire seven years on from launch, the current-generation Corolla continues to be one of many best-looking small vehicles available on the market, but by some means Toyota has levelled up once more with its new Corolla Idea.
Put merely, this factor simply seems like the longer term, in and out. I really like the edgy exterior and sharp lighting signatures, whereas the inside is as practical as it’s futuristic.
Toyota says the Corolla Idea caters for a big selection of powertrains too, so it’s a intelligent idea moderately than an summary artwork piece. As soon as upon a time you’d by no means embrace the phrases Corolla and horny in the identical sentence, however that’s not the case.
MORE: Wild Toyota Corolla Idea revealed with electrical and hybrid energy
Max Davies: Subaru Efficiency-B STI Idea
I’m positive this can be a widespread sentiment amongst followers, however I can’t assist however really feel Subaru hasn’t been the identical because it stopped promoting actual STI fashions in 2022.
Positive, the BRZ is nice, and I’ve come to understand the present WRX, however there’s nonetheless been one thing lacking. So, as an proprietor of a last-gen WRX STI, it’s unattainable to not get excited a couple of new inside combustion STI idea, even when ‘idea’ is the operative phrase right here.
The Impreza-based automotive’s aggressive (and vaguely goofy) styling and big rear wing are hallmarks of a scorching Subaru, and we all know it comes with an STI six-speed handbook, STI’s attribute driver-controlled centre differential (DCCD), and all-wheel drive. Plus, its stout, wide-body stance is insanely cool.
What makes it much more fascinating is that it seems nearly production-ready. If Subaru provides its styling a slight therapeutic massage and carries by with all of the mechanical treats, there’s no purpose it shouldn’t fulfill the ever-critical fanatics as an actual return to kind.
All we will do is wait and hope. Within the meantime, I’ll fortunately have a look at that beautiful Lexus Sport Idea a short time longer.
MORE: Subaru Impreza STI and electrical liftback ideas unveiled in Tokyo
William Stopford: Mazda Imaginative and prescient X-Compact idea
There have been some surprises out of Tokyo, a mix of nice and ugly.
The Tremendous-One wasn’t the primary EV I anticipated Honda to promote right here, however it’s a cute little factor that web commenters usually name for. Let’s see if this interprets to precise gross sales right here. In Japan it’ll additionally must take care of BYD’s new Racco, which is a ballsy transfer by the Chinese language large to maneuver in on an enormous gross sales phase for Japanese manufacturers of their residence market.
The disagreeable surprises included the completely ghastly Lexus LS van idea, which exists both to debase the long-lasting LS nameplate or make the opposite LS idea, a ‘coupe’ SUV, a relatively extra palatable proposition. Additionally, it’s nice to see a child Toyota LandCruiser finally, however why did they solely engineer it with a dated engine that received’t meet Australian emissions requirements?
I’ve some issues about Toyota’s plans to sort out Bentley and Rolls-Royce outdoors of Japan with Century, a nameplate which may be iconic however is little identified outdoors its residence market. However the coupe idea revealed on the Tokyo present is an absolute stunner.
It’s not my favorite idea of the present, although. That must be the Mazda Imaginative and prescient X-Compact, a cute little hatchback idea that seems to preview – in the end – a brand new technology of certainly one of my favorite small vehicles, the Mazda 2.
Oh positive, the Imaginative and prescient X-Coupe idea is cool, however what number of rotary or coupe ideas have we seen from Mazda through the years? If the Imaginative and prescient X-Compact previews a long-awaited alternative for the Mazda 2, then I’m undoubtedly taking note of you, Mazda.
MORE: Mazda plug-in hybrid rotary, metropolis automotive ideas unveiled
