2017 Tokyo Motor Show

Last week, the doors opened on the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show. Here are some thoughts on the latest Tokyo Show which runs through to this Sunday, November 5.

Let’s start by saying the Tokyo Show might not be the force it once was. Nevertheless it’s still a unique event on the world calendar and concepts and new models come out that you’ll never see anywhere else. On that basis and to see the latest from the Japanese auto giants on home turf, the show still has its place and is well worth attending.

Car of the show, for me, was the Mazda Vision Coupe, a stunning interpretation of Mazda’s next generation KODO design philosophy. This was really high class piece of design, much admired by the professionals in our business, a premium four-door coupe that perhaps points the way to a future RX-8 successor with rotary range extender.

Under the lights, the Mazda coupe espoused a confidence and, yes, a vision that was immediately impressive. All credit to Ikuo Maeda, Mazda chief designer and his team for creating this show stealing sports saloon beauty.

Alongside, there was the Mazda Kai concept, a neat compact hatch which showcased Mazda’s next generation SKYACTIV-X petrol engine and platform. Out of this may well come the next Mazda3 with step up in dynamics, comfort and refinement. So looking good.

Toyota was out in force with a number eye catching concepts, starting with the entirely wonderful new generation Century luxury limo for the home market (now V8 hybrid, replacing the former V12). Yes, social media absolutely loved this one.

I liked Toyota’s boxy Tj Cruiser crossover with its cavernous interior and 2.0-litre hybrid drivetrain although that heavy front end styling is not for the shy and retiring.

For years, Japan’s taxi fleets have loyally been made up of Toyota Crowns and Nissan Cedrics but Toyota’s take on a new Japanese taxi at the show is much roomier and visually not far off a London taxi. A good thing? Discuss…

For the traditionalists, sort of, Toyota’s GR-HV Sports concept was a hybrid powered targa top spin off from the current GT-86 sports coupe (aka the Toyobaru). Interesting….