10 Highlights from the 2019 Tokyo Auto Show
The Tokyo Auto Show is always an impressive event marked by some major new vehicle debuts and stunning concepts.
The Car Guide was on hand this week and here are the 10 models that most caught our attention.
Mazda MX-30
As the first all-electric vehicle from this small Japanese automaker, the Mazda MX-30 is a coupe-style compact crossover with a 140-hp motor and a 35.5-kWh battery. It looks super-cool and promises an exciting drive along with about 200 km of range.
Nissan Ariya Concept
Larger than the Qashqai yet smaller than the Rogue, this crossover stands out with a fully electric powertrain. It features two electric motors and all-wheel drive. Performance and battery output have not been specified, but the range is estimated at 600 kilometres following the WLTP standard used in Europe. The Nissan Ariya Concept will enter production by 2022 and offer ProPILOT Assist 2.0.
Lexus LF-30 Electrified
The LF-30 Electrified is a four-passenger car with a fully electric powertrain, an autonomous driving system and gullwing doors. Its name stands for Lexus Future, but also indicates the brand’s 30th anniversary on the market, which started with the launch of the 1990 Lexus LS 400. It has 536 horsepower and a range of up to 500 kilometres.
Mitsubishi MI-Tech Concept
A few months following the reveal of the Volkswagen ID. Buggy in Geneva, Mitsubishi unveiled a similar electric concept in Tokyo. The MI-TECH features a new PHEV drivetrain consisting of a four-motor electric 4WD system and a lightweight, compact turbine engine-generator in place of the traditional gasoline engine. The latter can run on a variety of fuels.
Honda Fit
The fourth-generation Honda Fit, also known as Jazz in certain markets, was unveiled at the 2019 Tokyo Auto Show. The old one featured a gasoline engine only. Now, the Fit will come standard with hybrid tech. Will it still be sold in North America? That remains to be seen.
Toyota Mirai
While exploring the Tokyo Auto Show floor, we came across the second-generation 2021 Mirai fuel cell sedan in the form of a concept. Set to replace the original in late 2020, the new Mirai boasts much sleeker looks, cutting-edge technology and a 30-percent increase in range. It also switches from a front-wheel drive platform to a rear-wheel drive platform
Toyota e-Racer Concept
Toyota president Akio Toyoda introduced the e-Racer Concept, a fully electric roadster with unique styling and the promise that tomorrow's EVs will be exciting to drive. No technical specs were provided, however.
Alpina B3
The new Alpina B3 sedan introduced by the BMW tuning specialist is based on the popular 3 Series. This car visually and dynamically cranks things up to a level only the next M3 can surpass. Using a version of BMW's latest inline-six engine that produces 462 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, it accelerates from 0-100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds. Alas, don’t expect to see it in North America.
Toyota LQ
In addition to the e-Racer Concept and the Mirai, Toyota showcased the new LQ in Tokyo. This vehicle is based on the Toyota i-Concept that was unveiled at the 2017 Consumer Electronics Show, but updated with automated driving capabilities (up to level 4 fully automated driving) as well as Yui, an artificial intelligence-powered interactive agent.
Suzuki Waku Spo Concept
The Suzuki stand featured the cool, retro-looking Waku Spo Concept. It comes with a plug-in hybrid powertrain and a modular body that allows it to quickly transform from a wagon to a cabriolet.