2019 Tokyo motor show preview - one week to go

The next-generation Honda Jazz (known as the Fit in some markets) will exclusively be available with petrol-electric hybrid powertrains. Honda previously explained it developed a more compact version of the twin-motor i-MMD hybrid technology that equips the CR-V to use in smaller cars. While additional details remain few and far between, spy shots show a front end that falls in line with Honda's current design language and familiar proportions.

Jazz sales will begin in early 2020. Although it has historically lagged behind its rivals, it's a hugely important model because it's Honda's best-seller in the UK.

2020 Honda Jazz to be offered as hybrid-only in Europe

Lexus

Electric car concept

The concept Lexus will introduce in Tokyo will take it into the electric car segment for the first time. It's a small, city-friendly model with a tall roof that clears up a generous amount of cabin space. Screens positioned on either side of the steering wheel display the infotainment system and the model relies on innovative in-wheel electric motors for power. While it will be presented as a simple design study, Lexus strongly hinted at least some parts of it will reach production in the coming years.

"We feel that our future could resemble this design,” Lexus vice-president Koji Sato told Autocar. 

First Lexus EV will be urban-focused hatchback

Mazda

2020 production EV

Mazda's Wankel rotary engine will make a long-awaited comeback in Tokyo but don't look for a follow-up to the RX-8 on the show floor. It will perform range-extending duties in the company's first series-produced electric car. We haven't seen it yet, the test mules are all disguised as CX-30s, but we know it will arrive as a standalone model rather than as a battery-powered variant of an existing nameplate. It will be an SUV with a 35.5kWh lithium-ion battery pack that zaps a 140bhp motor into motion. 

Mazda confirms Tokyo show debut for first electric car

Mitsubishi

MI-Tech Concept

Mitsubishi's Tokyo-bound concept will primarily serve as a preview of its next plug-in hybrid drivetrain, which swaps the traditional combustion engine for a gas turbine generator. The company pointed out it made the powertrain smaller and lighter than the one currently found in the Outlander in order to electrify more compact models like the Eclipse Cross. A selection of preview images show the technology will be showcased in a futuristic-looking SUV with externally-mounted speakers and carbonfibre inserts. Expect the powertrain, not the concept, to reach showrooms in the coming years.

Mitsubishi's Tokyo show star is roofless SUV with four electric motors

Nissan

IMk concept

As with most Japanese kei cars, Nissan's new IMk concept is tall, boxy and geared towards urban mobility, but, in a break from convention, sits atop an all-new EV platform and showcases the firm's plans for the future of small cars. The concept builds upon Nissan's Intelligent Mobility programme with a lounge-style interior and lack of physical controls, and early suggestions are that it could be sold globally. 

Nissan reveals electric IMk city car concept

Subaru

2020 Levorg

The next generation of Subaru's Levorg estate will arrive with a more streamlined design and an array of electronic driving aids. The company's teaser video noted we're "in an era where autonomous driving technology is widely spreading" so it's reasonable to assume the scope of its EyeSight suite of driver assistance features will be expanded. At the other end of the spectrum, Subaru will send off the 20-year old EJ20 flat-four engine with a commemorative WRX STI limited to 555 examples.

Suzuki

Waku 

Suzuki's big themes for Tokyo are mobility and personality, as embodied by its retro-styled show star - the Waku. An ultra compact plug-in hybrid, the Waku features a number of design elements that can be swapped out according to personal preference, and is intended for families to "share fun and excitement". 

Hanare

The Hanare, taking its name from the Japanese for a small dwelling attached to a house, is Suzuki's take on the autonomous shuttle. As with the Waku, it blends futuristic technology with 1960s-style design elements, and is said to be fully customisable according to intended use. 

Suzuki shows retro-styled concepts set for Tokyo show

Toyota

Copen GR Sport

Packing a diminuitive 660cc three-cylinder engine and tipping the scales at well under 900kg, the Copen GR Sport is Toyota's take on the sporty kei car. It's based on the standard Copen from subsidiary company Daihatsu, and features a raft of chassis and styling upgrades aimed at enhancing driver appeal. There's no word on performance details as yet, but we do know it's not destined for European dealerships. 

Toyota unveils Copen GR Sport as hot compact convertible

LQ

Alongside the Mirai and a possible new GT86 will be something looking substantially further into the future. The LQ is effectively a facelift of the 2017 Concept-i, an all-electric, self-driving hatchback, with cosmetic changes inside and out. More significantly, though, the technology is upgraded to reflect advancements since its first appearance, with Level 4 autonomy and a realistic new personal assistant designed to create a bond between owner and machine.

Toyota LQ concept is self-driving electric hatchback

Mirai Concept

Toyota's slow-selling hydrogen fuel cell car has been totally redesigned for 2020, with the Mirai Concept heading to Tokyo sporting a long, low saloon bodystyle. It's tipped to be close to production, is longer even than the current Camry, and features an interior that moves things on considerably from the old car.

Specific details regarding the powertrain are yet to be revealed, but we know Toyota promises improved performance and driving dynamics alongside a range increase of 30% compared to the outgoing car. We'll learn more about it at the show. 

Toyota Mirai concept heading to 2019 Tokyo motor show