OPENERS CAR Selection 2013: Fumio Ogawa
CAR / FEATURES
April 2, 2015

OPENERS CAR Selection 2013: Fumio Ogawa


Five Cars for OPENERS Readers in 2013


OPENERS CAR Selection 2013: Fumio Ogawa Edition



Fumio Ogawa selects five cars that caught his eye from those released in 2013. Following last year, six journalists who wrote for OPENERS CAR have chosen five cars to highlight from 2013 and provided their overall assessment of the year's automotive landscape.




Text by OGAWA Fumio









Five Isn't Enough



I believe 2013 (and likely 2014) will be recorded as an epoch-making year in automotive history. This is because it marks the year when autonomous driving began to be seriously adopted.


Autonomous driving will likely be linked with technologies such as self-driving and vehicle-to-infrastructure communication in the future. On the other hand, it may pave the way for electric vehicles (including fuel cells) and subsequent measures to combat global warming. In essence, I believe it was a year that showed the seeds of a major system change involving society as a whole.


Consequently, many excellent cars were produced in 2013. While I initially selected five, I strongly felt that this was insufficient. At the same time, it's also true that due to this transitional period, I might hesitate to buy a car myself. These conflicting feelings symbolize the year.


Furthermore, 2013 also marks the beginning of a difficult societal period, with rising taxes making car ownership increasingly challenging. In the past, cars were wonderful companions during times of hardship or joy, but I wonder about that now. I greatly anticipate that the government and relevant ministries and manufacturers will make efforts to create a society where driving is enjoyable.


The government has reportedly decided on a policy to absorb tax revenue from profitable municipalities like Tokyo and Toyota City (approximately 200 billion yen from Tokyo) as funding for local corporate taxes, and redistribute it to other regions. While this applies to Tokyo, a significant portion of Toyota City's tax revenue is thanks to Toyota. Tracing this back, it's ultimately thanks to the drivers who own Toyotas. Therefore, failing to value drivers is an act of national ruin. Is that line of reasoning completely absurd?




Fumio Ogawa's Top 5 Recommended Cars for OPENERS Readers in 2013





Land Rover Range Rover Sport

Range Rover Sport
Range Rover Sport



While I somewhat underestimated the previous generation, the new model, developed in parallel with the new Range Rover, is exceptionally well-executed. It opened my eyes. As the brand rightly expresses, 'We've finally got it,' the 3-liter V6 is superb. It offers a pleasant acceleration, straightforward handling, and a supple ride. Despite its large size, it's a car I could live with daily. Its sheer comfort is something I've rediscovered as a crucial factor in a car. The rotary shifter's replacement with a more user-friendly design is also a welcome improvement.





Audi A3 Sportback

Audi A3 Sportback
Audi A3 Sportback



When pursuing quality with earnestness, this car emerges. It's a fine example of German automotive engineering. While it bears a strong resemblance to its predecessor, the details in its styling, interior space, handling, Wi-Fi connectivity, and cylinder deactivation technology all represent a definite step up in quality. The new Golf, built on the MQB platform, is also superb, but the A3 Sportback's demeanor is more mature, making it my choice for a discerning driver.





Toyota Corolla Fielder Hybrid

Toyota Corolla Fielder Hybrid
Toyota Corolla Fielder Hybrid



In an article for a certain magazine, I wrote that if the Aqua from the same manufacturer is like water, this car is like air. Its unadorned, 'no-design' design, which avoids any peculiar pursuit of flavor, paradoxically becomes its unique characteristic. The doors close with a rather unconvincing sound, the interior is as stark as a fast-food restaurant, and the journey itself is rarely an enjoyable experience (personal opinion). However, it achieves over 20 km per liter in real-world fuel economy, offers ample space, is easy to maneuver, and driving it isn't tiring. This straightforwardness might be the true essence of a Toyota car.








Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Mercedes-Benz S-Class



Personally, I found recent S-Class models somewhat lacking in definition. The previous generation, for instance, had a styling that overemphasized the rear wheels, creating a mismatch with its overall character. The new model, in a word, is flawless. Elegance, reminiscent of the masterpiece W126 introduced in '79, has returned to its styling, exuding a refined presence. Furthermore, its restrained yet torquey engine, supple suspension, agile handling that belies its size, and abundant safety features make it the benchmark for luxury cars.





Maserati Quattroporte

Maserati Quattroporte
Maserati Quattroporte



With the S-Class achieving such a high level of perfection, one might wonder what other manufacturers will do. This car, however, dismisses such external concerns with its distinct character as a luxury sedan. Compared to the S-Class, its safety features are somewhat lacking, and the sense of hospitality could be better. Yet, it possesses a clear sense of exhilaration. The well-balanced engine feel and handling, along with its brisk acceleration and sharp steering, serve as a prime example of how a large saloon can be crafted with sports car DNA. It's a car one can truly love, and intensely so.