The 2015 Tokyo motor show has given us a glimpse into the future of the automotive industry, whether it be through new autonomous cars, futuristic concepts or near production-ready hydrogen fuel-cell powertrains. Here's our guide to the very best cars at the Tokyo show.
John McIlroy - Honda FCV Clarity
Having driven Honda’s latest FCV Clarity just before the show, I was already sold on the idea of a hydrogen-fuelled luxury car. Lexus appears to be trying to get there first with the LS-FC, a pointer to not only the company’s next flagship but also one of its potential powertrains. I’ve been a little lukewarm on huge hybrid limos up to now but something running on hydrogen could be silent and still have range. Love the front-end styling, too; get on with making it, please.
Jim Holder - Subaru Impreza
As a late 90s rally fan, a look at how a new Subaru Impreza will look is always going to be both exciting and tinged with a sadness that it won't be blazing a trail in the World Rally Championship. But this concept has a wider significance, and it not only has the looks to wow again but sits on a new platform that has the potential to deliver Subaru a one-platform strategy, thereby securing its long-term strength.
Mark Tisshaw - Mazda RX-Vision
The rotary lives on, and in some style. Shrink it a little, and you’re looking at the basis for the new RX-7, the expectation for which is a launch at the 2017 Tokyo motor show. I’m counting the days already.
Matt Burt - Toyota Kikai
Who says a car needs to be clad in sleek body panels to be beautiful? The Kikai’s creator, Kazuo Suyama, sees beauty in engineering, hence the concept’s exposed exoskeleton. A rear-drive petrol-electric hybrid, it is built around carbonfibre panels and aluminium subframes and thus far too expensive to reach production… yet.
Darren Moss - Suzuki Mighty Deck
I like Japanese kei cars. I like the way in which designers can still give a car emotional appeal even with such tight packaging constraints. The Mighty Deck is both stylish and practical and adopts the same minimalist interior design preferred by premium manufacturers. Just a shame that it’s never likely to appear on these shores.
Hemal Mistry - Mini Convertible
The popularity of the open-top and third generation Minis mean that this addition has a lot to live up to. It appears that Mini has learnt its lesson, as improvements to its rigidity will enhance refinement while a bigger boot, better standard equipment and an automatic folding roof are pointing to this Mini being a winner in the UK.
Jimi Beckwith - Mitsubishi eX
Add your comment