BEVs share Japan crown
Two tiny battery electric vehicles (BEVs) that emerged from the Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance have been jointly crowned the 2022-23 Japan Car of the Year.
Nissan’s Sakura, pictured, and the Mitsubishi eK X EV were developed and manufactured by the two marques but have different interior and exterior styling.
The sibling models also shared the prize for the top kei car, a category dedicated to the minivehicle segment.
Nissan bosses had further cause for delight after the X-Trail SUV took out the technology section at the annual awards .
The success of the Sakura means Nissan has scooped the car of the year crown six times, with its previous winners including the Note last year, the Leaf in 2011-12 and the Pulsar in 1986-87.
Meanwhile, it was the first time in 26 years for Mitsubishi Motors to claim the trophy.
Judges for this year’s awards say the two winning BEVs are priced competitively for EV ownership and will contribute to the spread of such vehicles in Japan.
“In terms of driving performance, many commented that the handling and power performance surpassed conventional kei cars,” they add.
“Safety equipment is also equipped with 360-degree safety assist, and it was also evaluated that it is equipped with driving support functions comparable to luxury cars.”
Second spot overall in the Japan Car of the Year contest went to the Honda Civic e:HEV and Civic Type R, and third to Toyota’s Crown.
Other winners included Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 being named import car of the year and the BMW iX taking out the design section.
Japan Car of the Year was established in 1980 and vehicles released in the Japanese domestic market between November 1 of the previous year and October 31 of the current year are eligible for the annual competition.
Winners 2022-23
Japan Car of the Year: Nissan Sakura, Mitsubishi eK X EV
Japan Import Car of the Year: Hyundai Ioniq 5
Design Car of the Year: BMW iX
Technology Car of the Year: Nissan X-Trail
Performance Car of the Year: Honda Civic e:HEV/Civic Type R
Kei Car of the Year: Nissan Sakura, Mitsubishi eK X EV
