Focus on Models Not Easily Accessible

Journalists from various countries, who are also selection committee members, rigorously evaluate the latest global models sold in multiple markets worldwide from every angle. The "World Car Awards," established in 2004, selects the single most representative car of the past year based on various criteria.

The New York Auto Show, held every spring, is the venue for the announcement of the Car of the Year. The test drive event leading up to this announcement was held again this year. As last year, the location was a hotel in Pasadena, northeast of Los Angeles, USA. For the judges who gathered from around the world for the Los Angeles Auto Show, held concurrently, this year featured a massive five-day test drive event with 25 nominated vehicles gathered in one place.

Even journalists who regularly encounter new models rarely have the chance to test drive vehicles not sold in their home markets. Therefore, as one of the selection committee members from Japan, I made it a point to check as many models as possible, without merely taking them for a quick spin, while successively switching between the provided test vehicles.

Excluding models already released in Japan or those I had driven at overseas test drives, I was personally interested in Mazda's flagship SUV, the "CX-9," which is not sold in Japan despite being a Japanese brand, and the "Prius PHV", which I hadn't yet had the chance to test drive on public roads in the US, also known as the "Prius Prime".

Furthermore, the Fiat "124 Spider," manufactured at Mazda's plant in Hiroshima but with no plans for release in Japan, and the Infiniti "Q60", which is expected to be released in Japan in the near future as the next "Skyline Coupe." Also, the new Volkswagen "Tiguan," for which European specifications were brought over specifically for this event, and the Cadillac "XT5", a product of America's premier premium brand, were also test-driven with great interest.

The CX-9, Equipped with Mazda's Only Turbo Engine

The "CX-9," notable for being the only current Mazda model equipped with a turbocharged engine, left a positive impression with its smooth, torque-rich performance delivered by this powerplant, and its suspension, which offered a greater sense of travel than other current Mazda models, despite occasional moments where the damping felt slightly soft. A Mazda engineer I met at the Los Angeles Auto Show commented that the driving feel of this model is "close to the taste we aimed for with the new CX-5."

Incidentally, the 2.5-liter direct-injection four-cylinder turbocharged unit, currently exclusive to the CX-9, "can physically be installed in the new CX-5 as well,"—was the comment received.

It's a shame that the transmission is currently limited to a 6-speed, but will this turbo engine, which delivers strong power from the moment it starts, eventually be offered in models other than the CX-9?

Mazda CX-9

Prius Prime Emphasizes its EV Nature

Meanwhile, the "Prius Prime," which I managed to test drive first thing in the morning when it was fully charged, confirmed that it possesses a distinctly stronger EV character than the standard "Prius" that lacks plug-in functionality.

If the accelerator pedal is kept fully depressed for several seconds, the engine starts and provides additional power. However, if the full throttle is released within a moment, the engine does not start. While there were moments where I wished for more powerful acceleration, the vehicle still accelerates noticeably faster than the standard Prius using only the electric motor. This driving feel is precisely that of a "100 percent EV."

Toyota Prius Prime Advanced

Toyota Prius Prime Advanced

The power of Toyota's new "TNGA" platform, adopted for the new Prius series, is immense. The handling, which allows the car to navigate corners with a strong sense of a low center of gravity and agile control, is on a different level compared to the previous Prius.

Unfortunately, the standard Prius will no longer be eligible for "eco-car" incentives in the US due to tax regulations. Therefore, the sales performance of this PHV version, which is "available at a more affordable price than the regular Prius when considering subsidies," will likely determine the future evaluation of the new Prius.

A Surprisingly Well-Executed "Fiat" Born in Japan

Although assembled in Japan, the "regular 124 Spider," powered by a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine producing 160 hp and not officially sold in the Japanese market, was test-driven in its AT specification.

However, surprisingly, I found the ride of this model to be more appealing than that of theAbarth "124 Spider"which is currently sold in Japan. This is because the lack of engine torque at startup, which was a concern in the Abarth MT model, was not an issue here, and the suspension, which felt too stiff in the Abarth, was more supple, providing a better sense of road contact on most surfaces.

Fiat 124 Spider Classica

Fiat 124 Spider Classica

The Tiguan: As Impressive as Expected

The new "Tiguan," which gave the impression of having been hastily transported to America for this event, with its navigation screen displaying a map of Europe, offered a driving experience consistent with the latest "Golf," and was as impressive as anticipated.

The model test-driven was the "2.0TSI 4Motion," equipped with a 2-liter turbocharged engine producing up to 180 hp, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, which distributes power to all four wheels.

While the exterior, which maintains a strong sense of concept continuity, lacks novelty, the driving performance, characterized by agile handling, comfort, and quietness, was befitting of a "latest creation."

Furthermore, the packaging comfortably accommodates four adults for extended periods, with no significant drawbacks. As the latest compact SUV from Europe, it is likely to be well-received in Japan as well.

Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0TSI 4Motion

The Cadillac XT5: A Model We Hope to See in Japan

The Cadillac "XT5," which debuted in the American market as a "2017 model," features a relatively compact body for an American SUV, measuring just over 4.8 meters in length and approximately 1.9 meters in width. This brand-new SUV, built on a new platform, is said to be the successor to the "SRX" and therefore has a high probability of being introduced to the Japanese market.

While a front-wheel-drive (FWD) version is also available, the model test-driven was the all-wheel-drive (AWD) specification. The precise steering and consistent grip from all four wheels, regardless of the road surface, are hallmarks of the latest Cadillac vehicles.

Cadillac XT5 3.6 AWD

However, the quality of the wood-grain (or wood-like?) trim used in the interior clearly falls short of its European rivals, presenting a somewhat disappointing aspect, particularly in terms of aesthetics, for a premium SUV in this class.

In any case, to make a significant impact upon its introduction to the Japanese market, the availability of a right-hand drive version is essential.

The Infiniti Q60: Disappointing, Except for the Engine

The Infiniti "Q60," a new coupe with a sleek design that I had high personal expectations for, proved to be quite a disappointment upon driving it.

To release the parking brake, I had to use a foot-operated pedal, a feature that is surprisingly outdated for a car in this class. Furthermore, once I started driving, the direct transmission of road imperfections through the stiff suspension evoked a distinctly old-fashioned ride quality.

Infiniti Q60 3.0t

The power generated by the newly developed twin-turbo 3-liter V6 engine, combined with the 7-speed automatic transmission, is impressive, delivering a formidable 400 hp. However, the optional "world's first" steer-by-wire system, featured on the test car, felt quite unnatural. It's disappointing that it hasn't shown improvement since its introduction in the Japanese "Skyline."

The opportunity to gain various new impressions, in addition to reinforcing my existing experiences, through these test drives has been a truly valuable outcome. I am increasingly looking forward to seeing which models will win which category awards and the overall Grand Prize this year.