While many thought that the traditional motor show would not return after the Covid pandemic, events in Munich and Shanghai have proven that there is plenty of life left. Last month saw the return of the Tokyo Motor Show for the first time since 2019, seeing a return of one of the most weird and wonderful events on the planet.
It’s a show where Japan’s car industry gets to show off its wild side, and often has a variety of cool concept cars on show, with 2023 being no different. Let’s take a look at the key cars from this year’s Tokyo Motor Show.
Honda Sustaina-C
Not surprisingly given its name, this concept car puts sustainability front and centre. The Sustaina-C is a compact electric city car that has body parts made from recycled and reused acrylic resin.
A similar size to Honda’s current ‘e’. This concept also comes with a small electric bike that can fold away into the boot for use in ‘last-mile’ scenarios.
Suzuki Swift Concept
While Suzuki’s Swift might have been billed as a ‘concept’ at the Tokyo Motor Show, this is a supermini that is very close to production.
A rival to the Vauxhall Corsa, the Swift is Suzuki’s core model, and gains modernised styling and a smarter interior layout as well. It will likely go on sale later in 2024.
BMW X2
It’s fairly rare for a non-Japanese carmaker to have a big presence at Tokyo, and also uncommon for a production-ready model to be shown too. But that’s exactly what BMW did, revealing its new X2 coupe-SUV at the event.
The striking new model will also be sold as the electric iX2, boasting a range of up to 279 miles.
Array of Nissan concepts
Nissan went all-out with its concept cars in Tokyo, revealing three completely different show cars, all designed for different purposes and audiences.
From electric supercars to wild MPVs and a crossover designed for influencers, it really went bold with its models for the Japanese event.
Toyota FT-Se
Stunning the crowds on the Toyota stand in Tokyo was the FT-Se concept car, which is essentially the firm’s vision for a future ‘mid-engine’ electric sports car, which could serve as a successor to the MR2.
The firm also showed an electric Land Cruise concept, a far cry from the utilitarian diesel 4x4s that Toyota is known for today.
Lexus LF-ZC
So far Lexus’ electric models have left a bit to be desired, but Toyota’s premium brand looks to be taking things very seriously, as shown with the LF-ZC concept car, revealed in Tokyo.
This saloon and its associated technology preview a production model due to arrive in 2026. It was also joined by the LF-ZL, a visionary look at future electric SUVs from the brand.
Honda Prelude Concept
One of the most surprising reveals in Tokyo came from Honda, which showed off its Prelude concept car, reviving a classic name used for several decades on the firm’s performance car.
Though just a concept for now, it looked remarkably ready for production and uses an undisclosed hybrid powertrain, much like most of Honda’s cars today.
Mazda Iconic SP Concept
Another stunning reveal in Tokyo came from Mazda, which revealed its Iconic SP Concept. Using a rotary range-extender electric powertrain, it previews a technology that Mazda has had lots of experience with over the years.
Mazda also showed a further update for its MX-5 sports car, with new technology and a revised look due to arrive on this legendary model in 2024.