Considering the animation of Japanese cars from the sidelines: The future of small cars — Yasushi Shimono, automotive journalist, selects five — photo
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Considering the animation of Japanese cars from the sidelines: The future of small cars — Yasushi Shimono, automotive journalist, selects five — photo

"Volkswagen Space Up!". A concept for a compact family car following the "Up!" that debuted at the recent Frankfurt Motor Show. This is its world premiere.
3680mm long x 1630mm wide x 1540mm high. As the name suggests, it boasts a spacious interior. Opening the rear-hinged doors reveals four seats and a clean interior.
Three types of power units are available: gasoline, diesel, and electric, all mounted at the rear. Cargo capacity ranges from 220 to 1005 liters.
The second generation of the ultra-compact "Smart," a well-known nameplate, has arrived in Japan. It's larger than the first generation that debuted seven years ago, 180mm longer and 45mm wider, but it remains a small two-seater under three meters long.
When the first generation debuted, it had a 598cc inline-3 turbo engine with a displacement smaller than a kei car. This time, the displacement has been increased to 999cc and it's naturally aspirated. The power unit, jointly developed with Mitsubishi Motors, propels the 810kg body with 71ps.
The "Toyota iQ Concept," expected to go into production. It challenges the two-seater Smart with the selling point of accommodating four people in a 2.98m long body.
The interior of the iQ Concept. How much of the interior and exterior design will be maintained in the production model?
"Honda PUYO". An unusual vehicle made of a soft, squishy material, as the name suggests. Despite its appearance, it's a fuel-cell vehicle whose commercialization and widespread adoption are anticipated as a next-generation car.
Challenging the fixed notion of cars as solid blocks of metal, this squishy material offers a new perspective. Incidentally, this body is said to glow.
At just over 4 meters, the "BMW 135i Coupe" is an exception among the five cars featured here. Choosing this model over the world premiere "M3 Sedan" is characteristic of Shimono-san (!?)
A coupe version of the premium hatch "1 Series." It's a surprisingly radical model, equipped with a high-powered 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-6 engine producing 306hp.
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Considering the Anime Adaptation of Japanese Cars, What's Next for Small Cars? — Five Selections by Automotive Journalist Yasushi Shimono - Photo

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