Best car of Japan: six “Japanese” and three “Europeans” in the final, “Chinese” dropped out

In total, more than 30 models were entered into the competition this season. The winner will be known in early December.

The traditional Car of the Year Japan competition is in full swing in Japan. All participants were announced at the end of October; in total, 34 models competed for victory in the current 2023-2024 season. Now the ten finalists have been determined. Let us remind you that the competition has been held since 1980, the jury consists of Japanese journalists and auto experts (this year there are 60 of them). According to the current rules, the main condition for participation is the presence of the car on the Japanese market during the period from November 1 of the previous year to October 31 of the current year.

Among the finalists for the 2023-2024 season are six models of native brands and four “European” ones. Of the Japanese brands, Toyota has distinguished itself: two of its cars are vying for the title of “the very best” (the competition does not take into account the differences between twins and modifications). Honda, Nissan, Mitsubishi and Subaru also made it to the finals. “Old world” brands are Abarth, BMW, Maserati and Volkswagen.

Car of the Year in Japan 2023-2024, finalists:
Abarth 500e
BMW X1
Honda ZR-V
Maserati Grecale
Mitsubishi Delica Mini
Nissan Serena
Subaru Crosstrek
Toyota Alphard/Vellfire
Toyota Prius
Volkswagen ID.4

And now about the brands and models that were included in the original list, but dropped out of the competition. Among Japanese brands, Lexus was unlucky; two of its crossovers – Lexus RX and RZ – were left behind. In addition, the title of best car no longer shines on the Subaru Impreza and Levorg Layback. Well, the most interesting thing is that the best seller of the Land of the Rising Sun, the Honda N-Box microvan, could not make it to the finals.

Toyota Vellfire 1/6 Toyota Prius 2/6 Subaru Crosstrek 3/6 Nissan Serena 4/6 Mitsubishi Delica Mini 5/6 Honda ZR-V 6/6

Departed “Europeans”: Alfa Romeo Tonale, Audi A8 60 TFSI e, Audi Q4 e-tron, BMW M2, BMW M3 Touring, BMW XM, Fiat Doblo, Land Rover Defender 130, Range Rover Sport, Mercedes-Benz A-Class (including sedan), Mercedes-Benz B- Class, Mercedes-Benz EQE, Mercedes-Benz EQS, Mercedes-Benz GLC, Peugeot 408 (cross-liftback), Renault Kangoo and Volkswagen Polo GTI.

It is curious that two Chinese models were also entered into the Japanese competition, albeit from the same brand. But they will no longer be able to receive the main award: these are the BYD Atto 3 electric SUV and the BYD Dolphin hatchback.

BMW X1 1/4 Volkswagem ID.4 2/4 Maserati Grecale 3/4 Abarth 500e 4/4

Meanwhile, the award also has related categories, they range from year to year. So some model from the original list may well be recognized as the most beautiful or most technologically advanced car in Japan. All competition winners will be announced on December 7th. Let us remind you that the main award of the last season 2022-2023 went to the twin electric subcompacts Nissan Sakura and Mitsubishi eK Cross EV.