1/5 The Essence of RR
Volkswagen Space Up!

A world premiere from VW, perhaps in response to the Japanese market's patronage. With a length shorter than the Nissan March (3680mm), it's a four-seater, five-door wagon that maximizes interior space.
What's intriguing is that, despite its appearance, it's rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive (RR). The horizontally opposed engine is mounted beneath the floor at the rear.
In a front-wheel-drive (FF) setup, the space above the engine cannot be effectively utilized. However, with an RR layout, cargo or passenger space can be created above. As seen with the Smart and Mitsubishi i, this car reaffirms that the RR layout is actually effective for maximizing space. It's a study by VW, a company that established its foundation with the horizontally opposed four-cylinder RR (Beetle).

2/5 It Got Bigger!
Smart Fortwo

The new Smart Fortwo, whose launch date coincided with the motor show. Compared to the original first-generation model, the new three-cylinder engine, co-developed with Mitsubishi, has been upgraded from a 598cc turbo to a 999cc non-turbo.
Whether you like it or not, it remains a two-seater, but the body is 16cm longer and 4.5cm wider. The Japan-exclusive model, which shaved off 4cm in width to fit kei car regulations, is now impossible to produce.
When you drive it, it's likely to be more refined in various aspects than the previous model, so sales might increase. At 2720mm, it's still undeniably the world's smallest car. However, let me speak the honest opinion of an owner who bought two: "Are you crazy? Making the Smart bigger."

3/5 High Business Acumen
Toyota iQ Concept

Toyota's version of the Smart, said to be heading for production soon. In today's world, to sell large Lexus vehicles, one must also create something like this.
However, this is FF, and it's 26cm longer and 12cm wider than the new Smart. On the other hand, the clever part is that despite its short length of under 3 meters, it has managed to create rear seats, albeit small ones. Having plus-two seating in the back, even if just for children, is undoubtedly a business advantage.
It will be interesting to see how much of this shape is retained in the production model, especially when considering the inclusion of effective bumpers. However, in silhouette, it looks remarkably like the Smart.

4/5 Is the Future Squishy?
Honda PUYO

Not just high-performance cars, but even these outlandish concept cars have become quite animated. The editor in charge at OPENERS commented, "Oh, is that Obake no Q-taro?"
Well, putting aside the looks, what I found interesting is that the body panels are made of silicone. As the name suggests, it dents with a squishy feel when you press it. One reason cars are dangerous is that they are "hard." Creating cars from soft materials other than metal might indeed be a viable option in the future. If I were to be hit by a car, I'd prefer the PUYO over the new Fit. There's a touchable sample made of the same material as the body at the booth, so please try it out.

5/5 Might Be Better Than an M3
BMW 135i Coupe

Actually, this is the car I most wanted to drive at this show. Apologies, it's not under 4 meters in length. This is the high-performance model of the 1 Series Coupe, which will be released in Japan soon.
It features the same inline-6, 3-liter direct-injection twin-turbo engine as the 335i Coupe, fitted into a notchback two-door body that's 12cm longer than the 1 Series hatchback.
Its appearance is understated, but it's undoubtedly a monster. The new M3, which leaned too heavily towards comfort, was a disappointment.
This should also pique the interest of those who lament that the current 3 Series has become too large.

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Yasushi Shimono
An automotive journalist who contributes"Automotive: Pros and Cons"to OPENERS. He was disappointed that Fiat did not exhibit at this motor show, meaning he couldn't see the new Fiat 500, a compact car from Italy.