Japan Mobility Show: Suzuki shows how to keep it real with new energy vehicles for a diverse world
Suzuki showcased a multitude of compact cars with differing power sources at the Tokyo show. Seen here is the e-Sky, which paves the way for Suzuki's electrified Kei car future.
Image: Jason Woosey
Tokyo is a city that evokes endless fascination. It’s vibrant and energetic, cutting-edge modern, yet traditional, and everything works with the greatest of efficiency.
Its cars are another source of intrigue, showcased in spectacular fashion every second year by the Japan Mobility Show, which IOL attended this year as a guest of Suzuki Auto South Africa.
This year, the brand once again demonstrated its ability to produce compact cars that are relevant and accessible to the greater populace, but this year, there was a focus on cleaner power sources that go beyond the battery-powered format, which is inaccessible for many.
These comprised everything from a Fuel-Flex Suzuki that runs on a mixture of ethanol to the methane gas-powered Victorus, battery-powered Vision eSky Kei car and even hydrogen-powered motorcycles.
The Suzuki Victorus is likely to reach South Africa in the coming year.
Image: Supplied
The Suzuki Victorus is perhaps the most relevant to South Africa, as there is a decent chance that this new crossover SUV will be launched in South Africa in 2026.
Suzuki Auto SA would not confirm nor deny that this new model is destined for our shores, but we do know that a new SUV in this category is planned for the local market, so it seems like a logical choice.
Like almost all Suzukis sold in South Africa, the Victorus is a product of Maruti Suzuki of India, but local models won’t be powered by biomethane gas like the concept model on display in Tokyo.
Instead, Suzuki will likely offer the conventional 1.5-litre normally aspirated (K15B) mild hybrid petrol engine, and perhaps even the ‘strong’ hybrid variant that’s also offered in India.
The Suzuki X-Bee is similar in size to the Ignis.
Image: Jason Woosey
Another interesting compact car showcased at the Tokyo-based show is the new Suzuki X-Bee (pronounced Cross Bee).
A heavily updated version of the original X-Bee that was launched in 2017, the new model has some Jimny overtones and could certainly make sense as an Ignis replacement, given that it has similar dimensions. However, for now, it appears that the X-Bee will remain exclusive to the Japanese market.
Another compact unlikely to venture beyond the Land of the Rising Sun is the new Suzuki Vision e-Sky.
Set to spawn a production model in 2026, this is Suzuki’s vision of the future ‘Kei’ car.
Suzuki Vision e-Sky.
Image: Jason Woosey
Japanese streets are literally bustling with these little Kei cars. They all measure less than 3.4 metres in length, as per government regulations, and they make a great deal of sense on these congested streets, where owning a car is an expensive indulgence.
The e-Sky concept takes Suzuki’s Kei car game into the electric realm, with a battery that allows a range of over 270km. Its expressive design intends to make people feel positive and cheerful, and it is aimed at those who regularly use their minicar as a daily form of transportation, but also for short holiday trips.
On-demand transportation
Urban transportation could literally be revolutionised through a new autonomous transport system that is being developed in conjunction with a tech startup called Glydways.
Suzuki and Glydways have envisioned an efficient transportation system for the future.
Image: Jason Woosey
Designed to provide efficient and convenient transportation in cities around the world, the battery-powered modules operate in dedicated lanes and are available on demand, with commuters using them only when needed, much like a public transportation system. This minimises the number of vehicles on the road and reduces operational costs.
Suzuki e-VanVan BEV
Image: Supplied
On the bike front, Suzuki showcased its e-VanVan, a concept model based on the company’s popular leisure bike of the same name from the 1970s, but with an electric motor that provides similar performance to a modern 125cc.
Equally interesting was Suzuki’s new Hydrogen-engined Burgman, which uses hydrogen power as part of the company’s multi-pathway to achieving carbon neutrality.
Hydrogen Engine Burgman.
Image: Supplied
The Japanese carmaker also showcased its expertise in robotics, with the MOQBA 2, a four-legged mobility platform that can be used for everything from package delivery to mobility for disabled persons, with the added advantage that it can climb stairs.
Also under development is the MITRA Concept, an electric unit that is intended for use as the undercarriage for various robots. By combining this concept with technologies such as AI and autonomous driving, partner companies will aim to offer solutions in fields as diverse as agriculture, construction and civil engineering.
“By concentrating our technologies as a comprehensive mobility manufacturer, we will make proposals for various infrastructure mobility that can help solve the problems of each customer,” Suzuki says of its diverse range of models on display at the Tokyo-based show.
IOL Motoring