With 'Open Future' set as its theme, this year's 46th Tokyo Motor Show (TMS) demonstrates the scope of possibilities that the new mobility of the future will embody. This, of course, is in addition to the fundamental satisfaction that cars provide to their users.
With a total of close to 190 firms from seven different countries, we take a look at some of the projects that illustrate the possibilities of future mobility, as well as the essential concepts and production-ready cars that you and I will see in the next couple of years.
Honda Fit
Its hybridised variant, on the other hand, will be equipped with a new two-motor hybrid system - something the carmaker establishes as e:HEV.
Under the umbrella of Honda e:Technology, a new moniker that represents Honda's high-efficiency technologies, the carmaker's products related to electrification will have an 'e'.
Unfortunately, powertrain details haven not been revealed yet. A spokesperson did however mention that these key details will only be released closer to the time when the car is scheduled to go on sale, which is early next year.
Lexus LF-30 Electrified Concept
In fact, it's aggressive form appears more apparent than other concepts on display at the TMS.
The LF-30 will headline Lexus' upcoming generation of electrified vehicles, a vision called 'Lexus Electrified'. This said vision targets a key leap in vehicle performance, handling, control as well as driver enjoyment - even with autonomous driving and vehicle electrification.
According to Lexus, the concept boasts four in-wheel electric motors, steering by wire, and Lexus Advanced Posture Control, all of which guarantee a dynamic driving experience.
Mazda MX-30
With this electric SUV, Mazda has designed and created it in such a way that it would be a partner to its driver over time. In that sense, not only should the car appeal to be driven daily, it should also grow the driver's affection for the car. The objective? According to Mazda, your life.
"For those customers who want to live positively, actively choosing possessions and experiences that, by their own standards, are a match for their lifestyle, the Mazda MX-30 offers a creative time and space that will allow them to live true to their natural selves," said Tomiko Takeuchi, Mazda MX-30 Program Manager.
The electric concept SUV sports an e-Skyactiv powertrain and utilises a 35.5kWh lithium-ion battery.
Mitsubishi Mi-Tech Concept
Impressively, the concept car is designed to be a dynamic buggy-type vehicle, with aluminum skid plates on both sides of the lower bumper, ovesized fenders and huge tyres that look like they are as thoroughly capable of off-road roughness as on-road grippiness.
But this concept isn't just about form. With functionality in mind, its cabin is clean and neat, with controls falling to hand with ease and convenience.
The Mitsubishi Mi-Tech Concept also comes equipped with Human Machine Interface (HMI), which displays various information detected through sensing technology.
Nissan Ariya Concept
As a matter of fact, the Ariya Concept expands on design elements first shown on the Nissan IMx Concept at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show. These include the bold electrified V-motion signature 'shield' and striking rear light blade, short overhangs, and an interior that feels more like a lounge than a conventional vehicle.
Reflecting a notion of seamlessness, the interior integrates technology with daily life and the familiar precision of Japanese craftsmanship. Materials used here give an impression of solidity, futuristic tech and functionality while the dashboard appears to be uncluttered by unnecessary buttons and switches found in conventional vehicles.
Subaru Levorg Prototype
Based on an evolved Subaru Global Platform that's combined with a full inner frame construction that helps enhance body rigidity, the car is equipped with a newly developed a 1.8-litre horizontally-opposed direct-injection turbo engine.
Also newly developed are the next generation EyeSight, Subaru's umbrella of safety technologies, as well as a high-definition map and vehicle locator. The latter system helps the car to recognise the road ahead and is able to assist hands-free driving in traffic congestion.
The production version of the all new Levorg is scheduled to go on sale in Japan in the second half of 2020.
Toyota Mirai Concept
Why, you may ask? Well, according to Yoshikazu Tanaka, Chief Engineer of the the Toyota Mirai, the Japanese carmaker this is the most effective energy for the future, given the fact that hydrogen can be produced from variable enrgy sources, which makes it more affordable.
More importantly, it emits no CO2 while in use and has a shorter refuelling time (about five minutes for a full refuel) and a longer driving range compared to, say, an electric car.
Thus, the Mirai is the perfect example to solving environmental and energy issues.
With that in mind, Toyota ensured that the new Mirai was created to be more appealing and emotional than before. Based on a new rear-wheel drive platform, it is it now longer and lower, which makes it appear a lot sportier and has a generous wheelbase of 2,920mm - longer than even the already spacious Toyota Camry.
It is scheduled to launch at the end of 2020.
