2005 Tokyo Motor Show, Part VI

TCC's Auto Show Index by TCC Team (10/3/2005)
Our coverage of the world's major auto shows, year to year.

2005 Tokyo Motor Show Index by TCC Team (10/18/2005)

 

Suzuki

 

At Western auto shows like Detroit or Geneva, manufacturers tend to focus journalists’ attention on one concept car. But it’s not the same in Japan; local companies use their home exhibition to splurge prototype after prototype on enthusiastic visitors. Suzuki didn’t disappoint, launching four new vehicles.

 

First up was the PX , a compact minivan with a touch of luxury. Three rows of Recaro leather chairs offer plenty of room, and there’s a high-tech audio system to keep the family entertained.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The silliest name award goes to Mom’s Personal Wagon, which features a trippy 1970s interior complete with swirly brown and orange carpet. Aimed at mothers of small children, the instrument panel features animated cartoon characters.

 

 

Ionis is the most futuristic of the four cars. Powered by an all-new fuel cell, the unit is stored under the vehicle’s floor to maximize the cabin’s storage space. Doors that slide forwards and backwards parallel to the flanks mean easy access to the minicar’s interior.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And then there is the LC, a retro-styled and unashamedly cute compact sedan with a white plastic steering wheel and virtually no dashboard switches at all. Don’t expect to see it at your local showroom. Ever.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Honda

 

Previewing the styling of the next generation Accord – that is the job of the Honda Sports 4. Featuring

Super Handling All Wheel Drive

(SH-AWD), the car maker believes its new vehicle will allow even the worst motorists to experience the thrill of on-the-edge driving. Power is allocated to each of the four wheels based on how each is performing, and according to Honda that means a safer experience. Technology includes a pop-up monitor featuring an innovative night vision system plus four independently operated sunroofs. Not sure about the square steering wheel, though.

 

 

 

Next to it on the Tokyo show stand was the sort of car this exhibition has become famous for. The Wonderful Open-hearted Wagon(WOW) is the ultimate ride for dog lovers. The middle row of chairs folds up out of the floor to create one of two things — something to sit on, or something to put your pet pooch in. The dashboard glovebox is replaced by an altogether more useful storage space for man’s best friend, and the B-pillars feature a vertical rail that can be used to tie a dog lead to. The car is based on the Jazz supermini platform, and is unlikely to go into production in this guise. However, expect some of the clever interior packaging to feature on future small cars from the company.