If this yr’s Japan Mobility Present in Tokyo confirmed us something, it’s that the Japanese automotive trade nonetheless has loads of struggle left in it.
Everyone seems to be speaking in regards to the indefatigable rise of the Chinese language automotive trade, which is placing manufacturers from Japan, Korea, Europe, the US and others on discover.
Nonetheless, Japan nonetheless has a number of the world’s hottest automotive manufacturers, and its producers don’t look like resting on their laurels.
Simply take 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 one more idea with a rotary engine (will they construct this one?) and appeared to preview a brand new entry-level car, whereas Mitsubishi had a good-looking quad-motor plug-in hybrid SUV idea available and Subaru had a duo of scorching STI ideas to indicate off.
Honda had a few new EVs, one in all 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 had been our favourites?
Alborz Fallah: Century Idea
I’ve mentioned it for years, but when Toyota Australia ever decides to carry its super-luxury, dependable Rolls-Royce-like Century SUV to Australia, I would be the first one to position an order.
The Century coupe idea revealed this yr seems completely terrific – the right 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 all the time seen Century.
Please Toyota Australia. Folks love high-end, low-volume autos right here, and this factor might be stable and bulletproof, and can in all probability value $300k, however there’s a marketplace for it and I simply need one.
MORE: Toyota exhibits Rolls-Royce-rivalling Century Idea, the ‘Delight of Japan’
Marton Pettendy: Mazda Imaginative and prescient-X Coupe idea
It won’t be fairly as attractive because the Iconic SP coupe idea, which employed a twin-rotor range-extender EV powertrain, however the Imaginative and prescient X-Coupe is nearly as smooth and has the added practicality of 4 doorways – and the attract of a rotary engine that really powers its wheels.
If a plug-in hybrid system is the one utility during 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 might be simply advantageous 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 had 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 danger, a press release that Honda is as soon as once more keen 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 keen to re-enter that smaller a part of the market with one thing completely 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’s going to turn out to be a totally fledged model and department exterior of Japan and the few different markets during which it presently 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 fanatics like myself and little doubt different demographics the model might not presently enchantment to.
With all of the speak of premium and luxurious Chinese language merchandise coming in to tackle the Europeans, it’s time that the Japanese obtained again into that dialog.
Lexus has completed a advantageous job by itself, however Century takes it to a complete new stage, and the diploma of opulence the Century and Century SUV supply 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 trade as China flexes its manufacturing muscle.
But the final 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 trade – and by doing that, a name to encourage the entire nation.
Basic Toyota, pulling out a hero when its again is in opposition to the wall, however what a approach to get up a nation!
MORE: Toyota exhibits 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 rather more it may be.
The idea medical van and trade-spec models on show on the present exhibit how versatile vans actually are, and with some fairly easy expertise they’re elevated far past a mere supply or commerce car.
The cell medical centre, full with disabled entry chairs and large 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 operate, 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 yr’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 completed this earlier than – twice, in actual fact – exhibiting off smooth ideas over the previous decade with the promise of rotary powertrains, neither of which has come to fruition. Making me look a bit of 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 showcase the extremes of engineering and design.
As a young person, I lusted after the BMW E39 M5, and ended up getting an E34 535i. My mate cherished 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, you want to give them a motive.
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
A complete seven years on from launch, the current-generation Corolla continues to be one of many best-looking small vehicles in the marketplace, but in some way Toyota has levelled up once more with its new Corolla Idea.
Put merely, this factor simply seems like the longer term, inside and outside. I 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 reasonably than an summary artwork piece. As soon as upon a time you’d by no means embody the phrases Corolla and attractive 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 certain it is 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.
Certain, 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 not possible to not get excited a few 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 large rear wing are hallmarks of a scorching Subaru, and we all know it comes with an STI six-speed guide, 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 attention-grabbing is that it seems nearly production-ready. If Subaru offers its styling a slight therapeutic massage and carries by way of with all of the mechanical treats, there’s no motive it shouldn’t fulfill the ever-critical fanatics as an actual return to type.
All we are able to do is wait and hope. Within the meantime, I’ll fortunately take a look at that gorgeous Lexus Sport Idea a short while 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 combination of nice and ugly.
The Tremendous-One wasn’t the primary EV I anticipated Honda to promote right here, but it surely’s a cute little factor that web commenters typically name for. Let’s see if this interprets to precise gross sales right here. In Japan it’ll additionally need to 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 section for Japanese manufacturers of their dwelling market.
The disagreeable surprises included the completely ghastly Lexus LS van idea, which exists both to debase the enduring 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 considerations about Toyota’s plans to sort out Bentley and Rolls-Royce exterior of Japan with Century, a nameplate that could be iconic however is little identified exterior its dwelling 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 one in all my favorite small vehicles, the Mazda 2.
Oh certain, the Imaginative and prescient X-Coupe idea is cool, however what number of rotary or coupe ideas have we seen from Mazda over time? If the Imaginative and prescient X-Compact previews a long-awaited alternative for the Mazda 2, then I’m undoubtedly listening to you, Mazda.
MORE: Mazda plug-in hybrid rotary, metropolis automotive ideas unveiled
