Japan Mobility Show: Concept Cars

This year’s Japan Mobility Show, previously known as the Tokyo Motor Show, was all about previewing the future of Japanese automakers. While brands may be behind the curve in adopting EVs in comparison to European or American brands, the event indicated that there are exciting things coming soon from Japan. Most automakers unveiled concepts that used sustainable materials, new technologies, and increased range from their electric or hybrid powertrains. Today, we take a look at some of the best concepts at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show.

HONDA SUSTAINA-C

While it may look similar to the Honda E, the Sustaina-C concept is actually an attempt at rekindling the Civic’s ethos of being more affordable and reliable than its rivals. It is also highly sustainable with reused and recycled acrylic resin body panels. The exterior features some eye-catching styling elements like the ‘hooded’ circular LED headlights, solar-powered illuminated logos, and retro black bumpers that integrate into the wheel arches.

Though it didn’t reveal any powertrain details, Honda did showcase the Pocket Concept. Like the Motocompo from the 1980s, it's a foldable two-wheeler that can fit inside the Sustaina-C’s boot. It is a ‘last mile mobility’ vehicle, meaning you can park your hatchback a bit farther away and use it to go to crowded places instead.

MAZDA ICONIC SP

Mazda’s Iconic SP is proof that sports cars will still remain relevant in the EV era. The 2-door coupe body that is inspired by the RX-7 looks sleek and features futuristic design elements like the covered LED headlights, aero-efficient wheels, and quad circular taillights. Inside, the Iconic SP’s interior gets a digital instrument cluster and an infotainment system while physical buttons are kept to a minimum.

Mazda says a rotary engine will function as a range extender for the Iconic SP’s batteries. In theory, the brand added that the motor could burn hydrogen instead of petrol in the future.

NISSAN HYPER PUNK

Nissan stated that the Hyper Punk is “functional and stylish” that blends both physical and virtual features which will appeal to a style-focused, younger demographic. The concept features some unique design elements like vertical DRLs with origami-pattern LED headlights and taillights, a heavily sculpted bonnet, 23-inch wheels with a triangular pattern, and an illuminated Nissan logo.

Inside, the Hyper Punk’s driver-oriented cabin is dedicated to artists, Nissan says. It uses a suite of onboard cameras that click pictures of the world around you that is then displayed into the cockpit as a manga-style art piece. It also features mood-sensing technology that can automatically adjust the lighting and music.

TOYOTA FT-3E CROSSOVER

The FT-3E is a new crossover concept from Toyota. It follows a sharper and muscular design philosophy compared to other crossovers like the RAV-4, featuring sleek full-width LED light bars at the front and rear, chunky wheel arches, a strong shoulder line and a coupe-like roofline. It also features digital displays just behind-the-wheel arches that display battery charge, cabin temperature, and air quality when the driver approaches it.

Toyota says the FT-3E is designed to make the driver’s life as “stress-free” as possible. It allows the driver to adapt the ride quality to their preferences, find information about the location they’re driving through, and have an array of apps that offer multiple use-case scenarios.

MITSUBISHI D:X

The D:X previews what the future Mitsubishi Delica MPV will look like. It looks large and imposing with its T-shaped front and rear LED DRLs, LED laser projector headlights, chunky wheel arches and raised ride height, blacked-out alloy wheels, and large roof box. Inside, the 6-seat MPV gets a monobox interior design that is aimed to maximise interior space. There is a full-width infotainment system, an octagon-shaped steering wheel, a digital instrument cluster, and a see-through bonnet that helps with field-of-view.

While the automaker didn’t reveal any powertrain details, it did confirm that the D:X concept gets its S-AWC integrated vehicle dynamics control. Mitsubishi states that the system offers a safe, secure and comfortable ride in all weather and road conditions.

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