Japan’s premier motoring event has been taking place this week, and the Tokyo Motor Show always throws up some interesting machines.
With the industry focusing on the electrification race, it’s no surprise to hear that plenty of machines at this year’s even have been battery-assisted or powered. Here, we take a look at some of the most interesting from the 2019 event…
Mazda MX-30
Mazda took the opportunity in its home country show to reveal its first-ever all-electric production car — the MX-30.
The announcement came as something as a surprise, with many expecting it to simply be a concept ahead of the reveal. Alas, the crossover will hit the market in 2021 with a 130-mile range, looks like nothing else and an impressive amount of technology on board
Honda Jazz
With Honda planning to electrify all of its cars by 2022, it’s no surprise to see that one of its most popular models is going entirely hybrid.
We’re talking about the new Jazz, revealed this week. It will only be available as a hybrid model, linking an as-of-yet unnamed petrol to an electric motor. Tech like a new touchscreen infotainment system and water-resistant seats will also feature.
Lexus LF-30 Electrified
Electric cars don’t have to be boring, and that’s what Lexus is trying to prove with this radical-looking concept.
The LF-30 Electrified is unconventional in its use of all-electric propulsion. A motor is housed on each corner of the car, rather than under the bonnet, which is said to aid in control and driving feel. As a result, it looks incredibly compact —and sounds like it would be a lot of fun to drive.
Nissan Ariya Concept
This may look like a car ready to fly head-first into production, but Nissan says the all-electric Ariya Concept will remain a showcase — for now at least.
What we can expect though is its simple, yet elegant styling to influence future products from the brand, as well as its flat floor and capacious cabin to make it into upcoming EVs.
Nissan Note e-POWER Nismo
We no longer get the Nissan Note in the UK, but we couldn’t ignore this impressive take on the hatchback.
It’s the e-POWER Nismo — a racy-looking car that’s effectively an EV, though the batteries are supported by a petrol-powered generator for an extra bit of on-the-go charging. As well as aggressive styling, the Note e-POWER Nismo also gets a set of Recaro seats — which will make its 83bhp seem a whole lot more.
