The 2022/2023 Japan Car of the Year Jury has selected the winner. The title went to two platform models at once - Nissan Sakura/Mitsubishi eK X EV electric kei cars.
The judges gave the most points for these doubles - 399.
The Japanese named the Korean electric crossover Hyundai Ioniq 5 as the best imported car in 2022/2023.
In general, the places were distributed as follows:
Nissan Sakura/Mitsubishi eK X EV - 399 points,
Honda Civic e: HEV/Civic Type R - 320 points,
Toyota Crown - 236 points,
Mazda CX-60 e-Skyactiv D 3.3 - 141 points,
Nissan X-Trail - 84 points,
Hyundai Ioniq 5 - 75 points,
Nissan Fairlady Z - 72 points,
Renault Arkana - 70 points,
BMW iX - 45 points,
Range Rover - 30 points,
Suzuki Alto - 28 points.
Recall that new models that entered the Japanese market from November 1, 2021 to October 31, 2022 were allowed to participate in the competition. The competition jury consisted of 60 people - these are independent Japanese journalists, automotive critics and experts.
Initially, the list consisted of 48 cars, 11 best ones made it to the final, then a winner was chosen among them.
Recall that Nissan Sakura and Mitsubishi eK X EV built on a single base were presented on May 20. The length and width of the new products are 3395 and 1475 mm, the height is 1655 mm. On the Sakura and eK X EV, the engine is mounted in the front, respectively, the front wheels are driving. The maximum motor power is 47 kW (64 hp), achieved in the range of 2302-10455 rpm, the maximum torque is 195 Nm in the range of 0-2302 rpm. The traction lithium-ion battery has a capacity of 20 kWh and is mounted under the floor of the body, which lowers the vehicle's center of gravity. The power reserve at full charge reaches 180 km. Sakura is sold in Japan at a price of 2,333,100 yen, eK X EV - from 2,398,000 yen.
Japan Car of the Year Announced
