Electric vibe dominates start of show
The future of motoring is being unveiled over the coming days at the Tokyo Motor Show and the early reveals show marques are keen to plug into the electric market.
The biennial show, which features scores of exhibitors showing off the latest vehicles and accessories, began this week and opens its doors to the public on October 25.
Mazda MX-30
Mazda has unveiled its first mass-production electric vehicle, the Mazda MX-30, at the show.
David Hodge, Mazda New Zealand managing director, says the company has created an EV that still delivers the driving experience people expect from the marque.
“There has been increasing interest from the New Zealand motoring public in EVs and we believe the stylish look and performance of the MX-30 will see it at the top of peoples consideration list,” he says.
Pushing its green credentials, the cabin has an open feel and uses cork and fabrics made from recycled materials. The model, pictured above, also adopts Mazda’s new electric-drive technology, e-Skyactiv.
Nissan Ariya Concept
Nissan have gone high-tech with its Ariya Concept, a crossover EV with twin electric motors, powerful acceleration and driver assistance technology.
The concept was shown for the first time at the show and expands on design elements hinted at by the Nissan IMx concept at the 2017 event. These include the V-motion signature “shield” and rear light blade and short overhangs.
It has a minimalist dashboard but when the Ariya Concept is energised, touch controls along the instrument panel come to life with a glow. The only physical controls are the start button, a single knob to operate the 12.3-inch display monitor and the climate controls.
Built with a 100 per cent electric drive system, the vehicle delivers instant torque to the wheels from a dual front/rear motor drive configuration.
“The Ariya Concept represents a strong collaboration between design and engineering,” says Yasuhiro Yamauchi, representative executive officer, Nissan Motor Co Ltd. “It is the next stage of Nissan’s future design language as we embark on a new era for the company – the next stage in our evolution.”
The Ariya Concept shares the stage in Tokyo with the Nissan IMk, an EV urban commuter concept revealed earlier in October. The two vehicles serve as “bookends” for Nissan’s new vision of an electrified brand identity.
Lexus LF-30 Electrified Concept
Lexus pulled the covers off its LF-30 Electrified Concept in Tokyo as it ponders how its next generation of vehicles will look.
The company says the LF-30 features a cockpit based on a human-centred design philosophy and a steer-by-wire system. The opacity of the side windows can be adjusted, providing occupants with expansive views or a high level of privacy. As a next-generation BEV, the LF-30 uses wireless charging technology to simplify daily charging,
Lexus plans to unveil its first BEV in November before expanding its EV line-up so that by 2025 it will have electrified versions of all Lexus vehicle models. It is also aiming for sales of EV models to outpace those of conventional internal combustion engine vehicle models.
