Here's my list of Top Ten cars and concepts from this year's show.
1. Nissan IDS
Let's start with the future, shall we? Nissan's IDS concept vehicle points to the next generation Leaf and also loaded autonomous technology. The Intelligent Driving car gets laser scanners, a 360 degree camera and artificial intelligence that let's it 'think' while on the move. This four door hatch also points to the future design direction of the next generation Leaf and houses a more advanced lithium ion battery. Wait till 2020 and Nissan promises to bring one of these on the road.
2. Nissan Concept 2020 Vision GT
Nissan had another beauty to showcase at the motor show with this superhot, updated Concept 2020 Vison GT. What's also exciting is that this concept could be the direction for the next generation Nissan GT-R (R36). The Fire Knight red colour, thin headlights and the large rear diffuser are guaranteed to blow your mind away. The only way I can drive this beast is on the latest Gran Turismo 6 video game. Can't wait!
3. Honda Clarity
Honda has thrown it's hat in the ring of hydrogen powered vehicles with the Clarity Fuel Cell sedan taking on the Toyota Mirai. The car can cover 700 kilometres on a full tank, takes just 3 minutes to fuel up and is powered by a 100 kW motor. I am excited that Japanese car makers are betting big on fuel cell technology which will mean infrastructure will eventually happen, leading to adoption. Clarity will be launched on the lease model in Japan in March 2016.
4. Lexus LF-FC
Toyota is furthering it's commitment to fuel cell technology with its Lexus LF-FC luxury saloon concept. This proves that hydrogen powered car doesn't have to be boring. The striking Lexus signature grille gets a new mesh design and the floating L-shaped daytime running lights are out of this world. If this is what the future looks like, count me in!
5. Toyota SFR
I drove the Honda S660 for the first time just a day before the Motor Show and I can see why there is a market for entry level sportscar. So it's no surprise that Tokyo launched its S-FR concept at the show. Nothing fancy in design and features but loaded with enough fun for that quick adrenaline rush. It's a front engined, rear wheel drive two seater that has got everyone eagerly awaiting for the production car.
6. Suzuki Ignis
Now here's one that has got me curious not just with the revival of the Ignis brand but also because it's a mini Compact SUV coming to India. Based on the iM4 concept showcased at Geneva, the crossover stands tall and the model at the show was an all wheel drive! But what will excite many of us in India is the extra premium feel to the interiors with the central tablet display and two tone black and white dashboard.
Also Read: Suzuki Ignis Compact Crossover Revealed
7. Toyota Kikai
Call it wild or dramatic or simply mad. The Toyota Kikai concept is unlike any other concept you see in the show. The company wants to showcase the complex beauty of the mechanical aspects of the car. But this is taking a bit too far I think because I am not really sure what to admire. The suspension are exposes and so is the rear mounted engine and the dashboard contains all analog meters. Nothing classic or complex about this one!
8. Yamaha Sports Ride Concept
We all knew that Yamaha had a four wheeler to showcase at the motor show but little did we imagine it to impress us. The Yamaha Sports Ride designed by Gordon Murray, the designer of the McLaren F1 comes across a lightweight sportscar. Bearing resemblance to the Alfa Romeo 4C Coupé, the Sports Ride is a two-seater powered by a petrol engine (engine specs not revealed). I am guessing we keep a close tab on Yamaha's progress in this space.
Also Read: Yamaha Sports Ride Concept Revealed; And It's Not a Bike
9. Mazda RX Vision
We all wait hopelessly for Mazda to come to India, don't we? One look at the Mazda RX-Vision and your hopes will turn into prayers. This concept car is powered by triangular rotors that rotate to compress fuel and deliver power. The design is quite dramatic and sleek on this red-hot two-seater and excites enthusiasts who loved the RX-8 four door coupe which got discontinued in 2012.
10. Daihatsu Noriori
The not so appealing, box-shaped Japanese design has been taken to the next level with the Daihatsu Noriori concept. The theme here is accessibility with the ultra-low ride height and deployable ramps through the rear or dual sliding doors. It resembles a small toy engine car with the large headlamps and white and green shades across the body. This box I hope stays only in Japan.
