Tokyo Motor Show: Stars show their mettle
THIS year’s event produced some stunning models including a gorgeous rotary-engined Mazda. Nat Barnes reports.
The Mazda RX stole the show
MAZDA RX VISION Price: £30,000 (est) On sale: 2017
WANT to join the rotary club? Mazda boasted the undoubted star of the show with its RX Vision, demonstrating its enthusiasm to have a rotary-engined sports car back in its line-up after the demise of the RX8 in 2012.
The twin rotary-engined RX is a thing of beauty
Mazda RX Vision video
The gorgeous two-door, two-seater RX Vision shows the potential for a new sports car using the same technology. While Mazda CEO Masamichi Kogai admitted to us that it would be a challenge for a rotary engine to meet the latest emissions regulations, he said the firm’s experience would make it possible, possibly as a hybrid.
Officially the RX Vision is little more than a concept, albeit a gorgeous one with hints of Maserati and the McLaren-Mercedes SLR about its smooth lines. Unofficially Mazda insiders smile knowingly when it is pointed out that 2017 marks 50 years of Mazda’s rotary-engine history. A new RX7 or RX8 would make for the perfect celebration. We can’t wait.
The new Mini is longer and wider than beofre
MINI CONVERTIBLE Price: from £18,475 On sale: March 2016
AFTER the arrival of the five-door Mini and the Clubman, there’s only the Countryman and this Convertible left before the entire range is refreshed. Arriving in showrooms in the spring the Convertible is longer and wider than before and promises to be more refined with an optional Union Jack motif woven into the roof.
Initially there will be three Cooper versions in standard, S and D with up to 192bhp on tap and emissions as low as 100g/km. While a One Convertible was available before, it’s unlikely to make an appearance in the new line-up but don’t bet against a hot John Cooper Works version in the future.
The Magan GTS features an uprated 3.0-litre twin-turbo engine
PORSCHE MACAN GTS Price: £55,188 On sale: early 2016
PORSCHE has had huge success with its sporty GTS models so it is hardly a surprise to see this meaty Macan GTS arriving at Tokyo. It features an uprated 3.0-litre twin-turbo engine that produces 360bhp and is linked to the standard seven-speed, twin-clutch semi-automatic gearbox. With 0 to 60mph in 6.0 seconds and a 160mph top speed it is no slouch but 31.4mpg and 212g/km suggest it is a good all-rounder too. With a lowered body, 20in alloy wheels and carbon side trimmings it really does look the part
The Lexus LF-LC concept will go on sale in 2017
LEXUS LF-FC CONCEPT Price: £60,000 (est) On sale: 2017
TAKE a long, hard look at this Lexus LF-FC, a large, luxurious four-door saloon. The badge may say Concept but make no mistake this is a thinly disguised version of the Japanese maker’s next LS saloon.
Lexus has always prided itself on its advanced technology and this LF-FC with its fuel-cell technology, autonomous driving capability and interior gesture control provides all of that and then some. If the next LS production model looks even half this good we’re in for a treat.
This Honda is powered by a hydrogen fuel cell
HONDA CLARITY FUEL CELL Price: £55,000 (est) On sale: late 2016
ELECTRIC cars powered by hydrogen fuel cells are becoming our motoring future faster than anyone expected. Hot on the heels of the Toyota Mirai is this Honda Clarity Fuel Cell. Honda has offered fuel cell models in the past in the US and Japan with its FCX but this new generation Clarity will be available in Europe for the first time next year.
Like the Mirai, the Clarity will be available to buy but most owners are expected to lease it. The car is a deceptively large four-door saloon and will help to restore Honda’s environmental credentials having dropped hybrid technology entirely. The car has a 400-mile range.
Toyota look to bring the fun back
TOYOTA S-FR Price: £15,000 (est) On sale: 2017
FOR a company once famed for building fun-to-drive sports cars such as the MR2, Celica and Supra, Toyota’s range is lacking in fun just now. Yes there’s the GT86 but, despite its talents it has hardly been flying out of showrooms. This baby S-FR two-door could change all that.
A petite front-engined rear-wheel drive coupé, the Toyota’s emphasis is on simplicity, light weight and a great driving experience. Under the bonnet is a small 1.5-litre engine, pitching it directly at the likes of the Mazda MX-5. While not the last word in pure performance the S-FR would guarantee a smile on your face.
The curving roof and Ferrari 308-esque rear lights alone are enough to convince us. So come on Toyota, build it!
Suzuki's practical cute runaround
SUZUKI IGNIS Price: from £11,500 (est) On sale: January 2017
IF YOU thought Suzuki already had its fair share of small cars with the Swift and the Celerio think again. This cute little Ignis will arrive in early 2017 as a practical runaround with echoes of the 1970s Whizzkid Coupé in its triple grooves on the C-pillar.
But don’t dismiss the Ignis as simply another small shopping hatchback. It will boast a couple of surprises including optional four-wheel drive and a mild-hybrid version. Suzuki also showed a Trail concept version of the Ignis with chunkier, more purposeful looks to rival the likes of the Fiat Panda 4x4. It looks to be a fun entrant to the small car market.