It’s November and we might be on the run down to 2016, but the good ship motor show displays no sign of slowing down and has most recently put down anchor in the land of the rising sun – at Tokyo.
I always like the Tokyo Motor Show – it usually reveals some wild and whacky stuff that just wouldn’t ever, ever be shown at a European auto show. Take a bow the Suzuki Air Triser, a fascinating MPV with a futuristic but retro appearance and Nissan’s cracking, space age Concept 2020 Vision Gran Turismo.
However, for five show cars that have a greater influence on our fleet scene here, here’s my top five choice.
Mazda RX-Vision
Okay, it’s just a concept at the moment. But, the RX-Vision heralds the return of the rotary engine last seen in the Mazda RX-8 coupe. There’s no official line on when a production version of the RX-Vision will be on sale, but I certainly hope it keeps its sleek coupe styling and the rumoured 300bhp from the new SkyActiv-R engine.
MINI Convertible
The latest MINI Convertible might look like an evolution of the last two, but the latest which goes on sale in the UK next March, is longer, wider and taller. There’s also a new hood that raises and lowers in just 18 seconds and a patriotic optional Union Jack hood. Cooper, Cooper D and Cooper S models will come first with the hottest John Cooper Works version following along later.
Porsche Macan GTS
Giving the depreciation-proof Macan SUV the sporty GTS is a logical move in my opinion. Why? Well, power is up 20bhp over the S version to 355bhp adding to what is already an excellent drivers car. The GTS also turns up the visual heat with standard 20-inch alloys and gloss-black visual highlights. Available to order now, the Macan GTS is priced from £55,188.
Toyota S-FR
Toyota’s new Mazda MX-5 rival was on show at the Tokyo show in concept form. S-FR which stands for Small Front Engine is powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine that’s supposed to produce 150bhp and has a rear-drive set up. Designed to slot in below the GT86 in the Toyota line-up, a production version of the new coupe is due in early 2017.
Honda Clarity FCV
Hydrogen fuel cell cars are definitely the future and Tokyo saw the third-generation of Honda’s contender, the Clarity. Honda claims the latest version of the Clarity is capable of a diesel and petrol busting, emission-free 430miles on a tank. Let’s hope the refuelling structure is in place by the time it goes on sale in the UK in 2017.
It’s November and we might be on the run down to 2016, but the good ship motor show displays no sign of slowing down and has most recently put down anchor in the land of the rising sun – at Tokyo. I always like the Tokyo Motor Show – it usually reveals some wild and … Continued
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