OPENERS CAR Selection 2013 Kenichi Sakurai
2013's Top 5 Cars for OPENERS Readers
OPENERS CAR Selection 2013: Kenichi Sakurai Edition
What are the five cars that Kenichi Sakurai deems noteworthy? Six motor journalists select five cars from 2013 that caught their attention, offering a year-end review of the automotive landscape.
Text by SAKURAI Kenichi
A Year When Brand Visions Became Clear
Mercedes-Benz fought back after being outmaneuvered. For the past few years,Audi, and BMWhad the upper hand, pushing Mercedes-Benz to third place in premium brand production volume. However, this year, they announced early on that they would surpass Audi's 2012 record of 1.455 million units with 1.49 million units produced. While not a full 'eye for an eye,' they have certainly repaid their debts.
While definitive figures for Audi and BMW are yet to be released, Mercedes-Benz has at least surpassed Audi's 2012 production record, which was an 11 percent year-on-year increase. This achievement was significantly boosted by models like the "CLA-Class" and the "A-Class". By driving sales with these compact cars, they also showcased their commitment to safety with the "S-Class".
Personally, I could deeply sense the development team's dedication, conveying a message that 'other brands shouldn't speak lightly of safety.' The S-Class is equipped with every safety feature currently feasible for mass production, presenting an unassailable stance that seems to ask, 'What more could there be?' Driving the S-Class, one truly feels what a premium car should be. It's a demonstration of inherent strength and superior development capabilities. While there's a difference between past dominance through hardware and the current extensive use of electronic devices, the pursuit of the ultimate remains unchanged.
Meanwhile, Tokyo Motor Show's Macan announcement was truly astonishing. Details will be omitted as they are covered elsewhere. 'I still can't forgive Porsche Japan (laughs),' but for Japanese fans, it was a welcome surprise announcement, so we'll let it slide. This must surely be a manifestation of Porsche's 'omotenashi' (hospitality). Porsche
The Tokyo Motor Show itself felt a bit lonely with the absence of American manufacturers. Despite having many excellent cars in their home markets, — such as the Chevrolet Volt and the Ford Fusion Hybrid, there are quite a few environmentally friendly models. While hybrids are often said to be the exclusive domain of Japanese manufacturers, American brands are also actively introducing them to their domestic markets. We hope they will be introduced to Japan with courage. When will it happen? Of course, 'Now!'. Next year, we hope they will showcase their comprehensive capabilities, not just targeting niche fans.
This year, rather than reflecting on what kind of year it was for the automotive industry, 2013 felt like a year where the future direction and business visions of each brand became clearer. Will this comment be considered the 'correct answer' for this feature? Oh, you mean it's not about incorporating this year's buzzwords? Then, you should have immediately said, 'Get serious!' like Emi Takei, otherwise, there's no punchline.
Kenichi Sakurai's Top 5 Recommended Cars for OPENERS Readers in 2013
Porsche initially insisted they would not unveil the new SUV 'Macan' at the Tokyo Motor Show. In other words, 'If you want to cover it, feel free to go to the LA Motor Show for the world premiere.' So, I went. Yes, I went. However, due to scheduling conflicts, I couldn't make it to the 'Preview Night' held the day before the press day. Furthermore, on the first day, the crowd was so dense that it was difficult to get a good look at the 'Macan.' It seems to be a highly anticipated newcomer there. Sales begin in 2014, but impressed by its excellent performance and high quality, I selected it as one of this year's cars, even without a test drive.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Sensors are embedded around the body, as if the car has eyes. The number is roughly... too many to count, so I'll omit it, but the safety provided by this advanced radar technology is top-notch, even in the current model. For Japanese people, who were raised with the saying 'water and safety are free,' the fact that safety has become a business, and a very attractive epoch at that, is shocking. While some say Mercedes interiors are boring, this 'S-Class' has a strong sense of class and is quite luxurious. The combination of ivory interior colors and grayish wood is particularly exquisite.
Mercedes-Benz G 350 BlueTEC
Mercedes-Benz G 350 BlueTEC
The 'Defender' in the West, the 'G-Wagen' in the East, and the 'Jeep Wrangler' across the ocean. These are off-roaders I deeply respect. Among them, the 'G-Class,' which introduced a diesel model to Japan for the first time in 23 years, is the model I paid most attention to. Even the 'clunk' sound when closing the door, something not often felt in current Mercedes models, already marks it as a legend. Despite some interior updates to match modern tastes, its robustness remains unchanged. This is the ultimate utilitarian vehicle. It strongly conveys a sense of being meant to be used and abused, despite its high price. The diesel turbo unit, with a maximum torque of 540 Nm (55.1 kgm), smoothly propels the body weighing over 2 tons.
The second-generation Kuga is an SUV of just the right size, offering a driving feel reminiscent of the 'Focus ST' – solid yet slightly more comfortable. The enlarged body is practical, with no sense of unnecessary bulk. The engine is a 1.6-liter inline-4 EcoBoost. Thanks to turbocharging, it delivers sporty performance despite its small displacement. The Trend model is priced at 3.4 million yen, and the Titanium at 3.85 million yen. Considering that the Titanium includes 'Active City Stop,' the price is surprisingly reasonable. Owning this car would make one look up at the winter sky every day, wishing for snow.
Mercedes-Benz A 45 AMG
Mercedes-Benz A 45 AMG
While the specifications of 265 kW (360 hp) at 6,000 rpm and 450 Nm of torque between 2,250-5,000 rpm are often emphasized (which is understandable given the output of 133 kW/181 hp per liter), the handling is what truly stands out. Its high linearity and excellent controllability create an illusion that your driving skills have magically improved. While it can't keep up with the 'SLS AMG' on straights, it can hold its own impressively on winding sections. Every AMG model is special, but this is the AMG that car enthusiasts should drive (though it does cost 6.4 million yen).
Kenichi Sakurai x OPENERS CAR 2013
Alfa Romeo Giulietta Quadrifoglio Verde
Long Term Test | Ford Focus Sport