Mitsubishi has confirmed the return of the Pajero, previously sold as the Montero in markets like North America, reborn as a flagship cross-country SUV on ladder-frame underpinnings. That alone would be news. It is also just one of thirteen model debuts the Japanese firm has promised over the next six years.

One of the more important details to emerge is that the Pajero name will spread across a family of vehicles, led by that flagship SUV based on the Triton pickup, joined by a compact SUV and a small one that could slot into the kei car segment. The baby Pajero looks to be a different animal from the existing Delica Mini, itself one of the most rugged-looking kei cars Japan has to offer.

More: This Strange Off-Road Minivan Keeps Getting Facelifts After Nearly 19 Years And Still Sells Out

There is also a minivan coming under what Mitsubishi calls its off-road product group, which reads like a successor to the aging, but still popular in Japan, Delica D:5. That van has soldiered on since 2007 with two facelifts to its name. Rounding out the off-road push are two more SUVs Mitsubishi is staying quiet about, plus a pickup that may well turn out to be the facelifted Triton.

Over in ASEAN markets, Mitsubishi will roll out a new generation of the Xpander, the hybrid crossover minivan that first appeared in 2017 and was facelifted in 2022.

More: Mitsubishi’s New 400HP Compact Comes From The Same Factory As Your iPhone

The other five launches will be the fruit of collaboration with other brands. There is a fully electric coupe-SUV built on the Nissan Leaf, another electric SUV developed with Foxconn, a pair of Nissan-sourced kei wagons offered in combustion and EV forms, and a new pickup.

Two Pickup Projects With Nissan, Maybe Three

Speaking of trucks, another slide in the presentation mentions a new “pickup collaboration project with Nissan” for North America. A separate global pickup project is also under consideration, again with Nissan, alongside an updated Triton that is likely already in development

More: Mitsubishi’s New Triton Raider Got Everything Except The One Thing It Needed

Worth untangling the web here. The Australian-spec Nissan Navara is based on the current Mitsubishi Triton, while the electrified Nissan Frontier Pro draws on the Chinese Dongfeng Z9. That second one could feed into the global project, since it is rumored to reach Europe wearing Navara badges and could just as easily put on a Mitsubishi suit for markets with strict emissions rules.

HEVs, PHEVs, and BEVs

In terms of powertrains, Mitsubishi’s future relies heavily on electrification. The company announced that five of the 13 upcoming models will be self-charging hybrids, and another five will be plug-in hybrids.

Since three models are listed as BEVs in the official teaser, there is no room for any non-electrified offering. That is a little puzzling, since the Pajero was thought to use the 2.4-liter turbodiesel from the Triton, though that engine could presumably gain hybrid assistance.

More: Mitsubishi Is Still Selling A New 4WD Pickup For Used Corolla Money

In fact, Mitsubishi explicitly states they are developing in-house PHEV/HEV-dedicated engines boasting a world-class 48% thermal efficiency, confirming their deployment across all models – including those riding on ladder-frame underpinnings.

To fight off rapid-fire releases from new competitors, the brand is using AI and digital transformation to slash development lead times by 20%. They are shrinking the timeline from the current 45 months down to 36 months to get these 13 models to market faster.

Mitsubishi

The Tommykaira ZZ is a rare Japanese sports car that has been discontinued since 2021, but that didn’t stop a designer and an engineer who used to work in its parent company from giving it a facelift. The result is the Number Nine Works Sweep 9, a street-legal one-off build with an interesting backstory.

The project is the fruit of collaboration between automotive designer Ryuhei Ishimaru and engineer Yuji Fujitsuka who was responsible for the development of the second-gen Tommykaira ZZ. Both used to work for GLM, which was the brand behind the second-gen Tommykaira. However, they have since moved on starting their own companies, the independent design studio Fortmarei and the engineering firm Number 9 Works.

More: Rare TommyKaira ZZ Sends Fans Into A Wild Bidding War And The Dealer Still Said No

The two men got together this year, bringing the discontinued Tommykaira ZZ into the present with a styling refresh. The goal was to redesign the front cowl with factory-grade quality, while preserving the rear section and the original livery. They also wanted the resulting vehicle to be fully compliant with Japanese safety regulations, adding another layer of complexity into the project.

The highlight of the Number Nine Works Sweep 9 is the ultra-slim LED headlights with an elongated shape that look much sleeker than the original units. These are combined with extra LEDs on the bumper that has received a cleaner design without any intakes.

More: This Retro Roadster Is Not What You Think It Is

The grille-less nose and the sculpted front fenders blend nicely with the carry-over bodywork on the profile. Still, it would be nice to see a similar redesign of the rear end that retains the Lotus-sourced quad round taillights.

The whole build was realised by the engineer, the designer, and a few skilled craftsmen. More importantly, it is a fully functional model with Japanese license plates that can be driven on public roads.

Predictably, the Number Nine Works Sweep 9 doesn’t have any performance or chassis upgrades over the donor vehicle.

Unlike the original Tommykaira ZZ from the ’90s that was powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, the second generation that debuted in 2014 has a fully electric powertrain. The sports car is based on a tub-style chassis with a single electric motor producing 305 hp (227 kW / 309 PS) and 415 Nm (306 lb-ft) of torque.

More: A Corvette That Forgot It Was A Corvette Just Sold For Near-New C8 Money

The team doesn’t plan on applying the same treatment to more examples of the model, although we can easily see why owners of the second-gen Tommykaira ZZ would want to approach them. In any case, this project proves that focused styling tweaks can make a big difference in the aura of a vehicle.

Designer Ryuhei Ishimaru told CarScoops: “Number Nine Works Sweep 9 is a 2026 street-legal technology demonstrator built on the Tommykaira ZZ EV platform, balancing strict safety compliance with its original design language. It is a very personal “moment of truth” for me, as it’s a collaboration with the original engineer after 10 years.”

Ryuhei Ishimaru

Chery’s global appetite shows no sign of slowing, and the Chinese brand has now identified its next target: Japan’s kei car segment. The company is taking part in a newly formed joint venture built around electric vehicles, the most protected corner of one of the world’s most insular markets.

The Singapore-based outfit, EMT (Electric Mobility Technology), is a five-way alliance. Chery and fellow Chinese automaker Jiangsu Yueda Automobile Group sit alongside Japanese retailer Autobacs Seven, Chinese battery maker Gotion, and Japanese industrial painting firm Anest Iwata. The venture will trade under the Emta brand, short for Easy, Made To All.

More: Chery Borrowed The RS6’s Face, The A5’s Profile, And The A7’s Tail, All On One Sedan

According to Car News China, Emta has staffed itself with executives drawn from Honda, Mazda, and Nissan. The CEO is He Xiaoqing, whose track record includes senior posts at Changan Ford, SAIC, and Chery itself.

The Emta #01 Leads The Charge

The opening act is the Emta #01, a small electric hatchback due in production form in the second half of 2027. The styling is boxy and clean, with covered-grille LED graphics that hint at Suzuki more than at anything Chinese. Rear sliding doors round out the package, simplifying access to a cabin that, by kei standards, needs every millimeter it can find.

The Emta #01 measures 3.4 m (133.9 inches) long, putting it in the same footprint as Chinese microcars like the Chery QQ Ice Cream. Full technical specs are still under wraps, but the car will ride on Chery underpinnings, almost certainly with a Gotion battery pack. Expect the latest infotainment and connectivity tech on board, along with Level 2 ADAS.

More: BYD’s Tiny EV Has Japan’s Best-Selling Kei Car Rethinking Its Entire Future

Production will take place in China, with Autobacs Seven handling sales in Japan. Emta wants the price to land somewhere close to a conventional ICE-powered kei car. When it arrives next year, the Emta #01 will be only the second kei car of Chinese origin, following the BYD Racco.

Following the 2027 launch, Emta plans to expand its lineup with three additional EVs by 2029. The official teaser suggests that those will be a small hatchback, a small crossover, and a minivan. The long-term goal is to establish a Japanese factory after 2030 if sales targets are met.

EMTA

Chery is a Chinese brand with an impressive global expansions over the past years, and since the world keeps buying, the sky’s the limit. The company has now set its sights on Japan’s kei car segment, participating in a newly established joint venture focused on EVs.

Singapore-based firm EMT (Electric Mobility Technology) is a multi-party alliance splitting equity between Chinese automakers Chery Automobile and Jiangsu Yueda Automobile Group, Japanese retail company Autobacs Seven, Chinese battery maker Gotion, and Japanese industrial painting firm Anest Iwata. The joint venture will operate under the Emta brand, which is short for Easy, Made To All.

More: Chery Borrowed The RS6’s Face, The A5’s Profile, And The A7’s Tail, All On One Sedan

As reported by Car News China, Emta’s management team includes people with experience at Honda, Mazda, and Nissan. The CEO is He Xiaoqing, whose background includes executive roles at Changan Ford, SAIC, and Chery.

The first model will be the Emta #01, a tiny electric hatchback scheduled to debut in production form in the second half of 2027. The EV adopts a boxy silhouette, clean surfacing, and a face reminiscent of Suzuki with modern LEDs integrated within a covered grille. It also has rear sliding doors, allowing easier access to the cabin.

The Emta #01 measures 3.4 m (133.9 inches) long, which is similar to Chinese microcars like the Chery QQ Ice Cream. Technical specifications remain under wraps, but the model will ride on Chery underpinnings, likely fitted with a Gotion battery pack. It is also expected to offer the latest infotainment and connectivity tech, along with Level 2 ADAS.

More: BYD’s Tiny EV Has Japan’s Best-Selling Kei Car Rethinking Its Entire Future

Production of the EV is scheduled to take place in China, with Autobacs Seven being responsible for sales in Japan. Emta wants to offer it at an affordable price tag, comparable to ICE-powered kei cars. When it arrives next year, the Emta #1 will be the second kei car of Chinese origin after the BYD Racco.

Following the 2027 launch, Emta plans to expand its lineup with three additional EVs by 2029. The official teaser suggests that those will be a small hatchback, a small crossover, and a minivan. The long-term goal is to establish a Japanese factory after 2030 if sales targets are met.

EMTA

Honda has overhauled its product strategy and put hybrid technology at the center of the global lineup, a course correction triggered by the costly cancellation of several high-profile EV projects. The automaker pulled the wraps off two prototypes that appear to telegraph the next Accord sedan and Acura RDX SUV, alongside a commitment to launch 15 hybrid models by 2029

The Honda Hybrid Sedan Prototype and the Acura Hybrid SUV Prototype will both reach production within two years. Honda has not named either car or even confirmed a segment, but the proportions tell their own story. The fastback-style sedan looks like the next Accord, though the Civic can’t be completely ruled out, while the SUV is unmistakably the RDX successor.

More: Honda’s $15.9 Billion EV Disaster Just Delayed The Next Accord, Odyssey, And MDX

The sedan wears a five-door fastback profile, sharp surfacing, slim LED lighting, and a small amount of black cladding. The boxy nose recalls the Civic development mule Honda showed last year.

Honda Hybrid Sedan Prototype

On the other hand, the Acura SUV has a more sculpted body with aggressive front bumper intakes, toned shoulders, and V-shaped taillights. Its silhouette matches the official teaser from January 2026, leaving little doubt this is indeed a successor to the discontinued RDX.

More: Acura’s Losing Its RDX For Two Years, And Dealers Know What Happens Next

Both vehicles sit on a next-generation hybrid architecture due in 2027. Honda is targeting a 30 percent reduction in production costs and a fuel-economy improvement of more than 10 percent over 2023 levels. A new electric all-wheel drive unit is part of the package, alongside what Honda promises will be sharper driving dynamics. The next-gen ADAS suite follows in 2028.

Honda said that North America will be one of the “key focus regions” of the hybrid rollout. In 2029, the company will debut large hybrid models in the D-Segment and above, tailored to the needs of the region.

Acura Hybrid SUV Prototype

In order to support the rollout, Honda will “reallocate all excess capacity” at the Ohio plant to production of vehicles with gasoline and hybrid powertrains. Furthermore, all US plants will be converted to support production of hybrids.

Finally, the the joint venture between Honda and LG Energy Solution will switch part of the EV battery production to hybrid batteries while increasing local components by more than four times the current level to fight supply shortage and tariffs.

Other Markets

The Japanese automaker is doubling down on market-specific needs to stabilize its business foundation following a period of strategic realignment. In its home market, the focus shifts toward electrified kei cars, led by the upcoming N-Box EV scheduled for a 2028 debut. The next-gen hybrid and ADAS tech will be introduced in the updated Vezel, while the lineup will expand with Sport Line and Trail Line trim levels.

More: Honda Went To China, Saw The Future, And Reached Back To The 1960s

In India, the play is compact and midsize cars due in 2028, along with continued investment in the motorcycle business to expand local production. China is more complicated. Honda plans to use locally standardized components and roll out new electrified vehicles built on platforms supplied by Chinese partners.

Investing In Hybrids Over EVs

Honda is going through a challenging financial period, reporting its first annual net loss since 1957. The loss totaled ¥423.9 billion ($2.68 billion), largely driven by a massive ¥1.57 trillion ($9.94 billion) write-down following the restructuring and cancellation of EV projects.

Honda is still publicly optimistic about the recovery, targeting a record operating profit above ¥1.4 trillion ($8.86 billion) for the fiscal year ending March 2029.

More: Honda’s $11 Billion Canadian EV Plant Just Got Shelved Because America Wants Hybrids

The investment plan tells you everything you need to know about where Honda thinks the next decade is going. Of the ¥6.2 trillion ($39.25 billion) earmarked through 2029, ¥4.4 trillion ($27.85 billion) goes to gasoline and hybrid powertrains, with another ¥1 trillion ($6.3 billion) for software.

Spending on pure EVs has been trimmed to ¥0.8 trillion ($5.06 billion). Anything beyond that gets decided after 2030, and Honda has made clear it would rather partner with someone else than build its next EV platform alone.

Honda

Toyota released its financial results for the previous fiscal year, revealing a bittersweet reality: while consumers are buying their cars in record numbers, global but trade wars and geopolitical chaos are taking a serious bite out of the bottom line.

For fiscal year 2026, which ran from April 1 through March 31, Toyota Motor Corporation booked record revenue of 50.68 trillion yen ($323.42 billion), up 5.5 percent year over year. Operating income, however, dropped by roughly 1 trillion yen ($6.4 billion) to 3.77 trillion yen ($24 billion).

More: Toyota’s Next Corolla Cross Is Growing Up, And The RAV4 Should Be Worried

The single biggest culprit was a 1.38 trillion yen ($8.8 billion) hit from US tariffs. That alone was enough to drag Toyota’s North American division into a rare operating loss of 298.6 billion yen ($1.9 billion) excluding swaps, even though regional vehicle sales actually grew 8.5 percent. Selling more cars and losing money doing it is not the equation Toyota wants to be solving.

To combat these trade frictions, Toyota will begin exporting US-built models to Japan starting this year, including the Camry sedan, the Highlander SUV, and the Tundra pickup. This move is less about covering local demand and more of a strategic effort to balance trade relations with the US.

More: A Texas-Built Full-Size Pickup Is Now On Sale In The Country That Invented The Kei Car

The 2026 results were quite positive for global sales of electrified vehicles, which reached 5.04 million units, making up 48.1% of total volume (11,283 million). These include 4.62 million HEVs, 175,000 PHEVs, and 243,000 BEVs, with the latter surging by 68.4% compared to last year. For FY2027, Toyota expects to more than double its BEV sales to 598,000 units.

What’s Next For Toyota?

The overall forecast for FY2027 is rather cautious. Toyota expects sales volume to hold roughly steady, but operating income is forecast to fall 20.3 percent to around 3 trillion yen ($19.1 billion). The company is bracing for an additional 670 billion yen ($4.27 billion) in costs tied to economic and logistical disruptions over the coming year.3

More: The Toyota Van That Refused To Change For 22 Years Is Being Replaced, And It’ll Look Nothing Like Before

Toyota specifically called out the “destabilization” of the Middle East and the ongoing war there, which are pushing materials and energy costs higher. Combined with ongoing tariff pressures and a massive 1.8 trillion yen ($11.48 billion) investment in R&D, Toyota is signaling to investors that the next 12 months will be a period of defensive maneuvering.

Shareholders aren’t being left empty-handed. Toyota declared a full-year FY2026 dividend of 95 yen ($0.61) per share and plans to bump it to 100 yen ($0.64) for FY2027. Toyota stock currently trades at 2,913 yen ($18.58), down 14 percent since the start of the year.

More: Toyota’s Most Powerful Land Cruiser Ever Is A $112K Hybrid Americans Can’t Buy

Toyota’s newly appointed President, Kenta Kon, said: “I feel there is still significant room for improvement in our management and administrative operations. Those of us in such positions, by further examining where our abilities truly lie, can move beyond simply managing the front lines and instead get directly involved to support operations.”

Below you can watch the entire presentation that was streamed earlier today from Japan.

After more than two decades of soldiering on through countless updates, Japan’s most familiar workhorse is finally getting a proper rethink. The Toyota HiAce remains one of the world’s most popular commercial vehicles, but the current H200 generation has been on sale in Japan since 2004, making a strong case for a successor. A new model is rumored to debut by early next year, marking the biggest change in the nameplate’s history.

More: This Van Should Be Dead By Now, But Toyota Keeps Updating It After 22 Years

In 2019, Toyota introduced the H300 generation of the HiAce, though Japan stuck to the older cabover H200 van. The latter has received countless model year updates over the past 22 years, but it is inevitably getting closer to retirement.

What Will The Next HiAce Look Like?

The Toyota HiAce Concepts that debuted at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show are the best indication of the next generation model, which will finally give Japanese buyers access to a modern Toyota light commercial vehicle (LCV).

One of the concepts features a long-wheelbase, high-roof bodystyle, while the other is a standard van. Both have modern LEDs and clean surfacing inspired by the 2023 Toyota Kayoibako concept. Crucially, while the new HiAce will abandon the cab-over styling of the H200, it will have a shorter hood than the H300, making it more suitable for the tight roads of Japan.

Illustration: Thanos Pappas for CarScoops

Our exclusive rendering previews the upcoming production-spec HiAce as a white commercial van with a high roof and a long wheelbase, riding on black steelies. The narrow side windows of the concepts will likely be reserved for passenger-oriented trims, while the lighting units might gain simpler LED graphics for cost-saving reasons.

More: Toyota’s Next Corolla Cross Is Growing Up, And The RAV4 Should Be Worried

Toyota will most likely offer several bodystyle variants of the LCV, following the example of the current HiAce, which is available in different widths, heights, and lengths. It is safe to assume the new model will also serve as a base for passenger shuttles and even camper conversions.

Furthermore, the lineup will be joined by a smaller van based on the Daihatsu Kayoibako-K concept, designed for urban deliveries and short camping adventures.

TNGA Platform Brings Big Changes

2025 Toyota HiAce Concepts

Local media reports suggest the new HiAce will share components with the H300 generation currently sold in markets such as the Philippines, Thailand, and Australia. The LCV is expected to ride on the TNGA platform, with improvements in safety and ride quality over the aging H200.

Besides switching from a mid-engined to a front-engined layout, the HiAce will reportedly introduce a self-charging hybrid powertrain option. This will likely be more powerful and more efficient than the existing diesel and gasoline engines.

More: This 14-Year-Old Van Refuses To Die And Somehow Keeps Getting New Gear

As hinted at by the Global HiAce BEV concept from 2023, a fully electric version of the LCV was under consideration. However, the latest rumors suggest the zero-emission powertrain has been put on hold due to shifting market conditions.

According to Creative Trend, citing information from local agency Apollo News Service, the new generation of the HiAce is expected to debut in late 2026 or early 2027. We will keep an eye out for more information about the popular van and update this story accordingly.

The new Honda Super-One taps into a growing appetite for retro-flavored EVs, borrowing heavily from the irreverent charm of the City Turbo II from the ’80s. While the standard model already leans into a sporty aesthetic, Mugen has taken it further with a more aggressive bodykit, interior tweaks, and a set of performance dampers to back up the look.

Starting with the exterior, the Japanese tuner injects a dose of motorsport attitude into the Super-One. Up front, it gains a black chin spoiler and a vented hood, but the real standout sits along the sides, where vented wide fender extensions are mounted over the already flared arches.

More: Mugen Turns Honda’s Tiny EV Into A Pocket-Sized Street Fighter

Those arches are complemented by carbon mirror caps, deeper side skirts, and a set of 16-inch forged aluminum wheels with a five-spoke design. Around back, Mugen adds a sizeable roof spoiler and sharper extensions to the rear bumper.

Inside, the front seats have been swapped with semi-buckets from Recaro, complementing the track-ready stance. Buyers can also get special floor and luggage mats, scuff plates, and protective door trim with Mugen branding, which can also be found on the rim of the two-spoke steering wheel. Other accessories include the hydrophobic mirrors and the window visors.

More: The Manual Honda That Thinks It’s A Baby Type R

Under the skin, Mugen is offering Performance Dampers developed in collaboration with Yamaha, which are said to improve handling and reduce vibrations. Note that the Super-One has a more aggressive chassis setup compared to the N-One e: kei car, featuring a lowered suspension and wider tracks.

Unfortunately, the zero-emission powertrain is left untouched. The Super-One sticks with a single electric motor producing 94 hp (70 kW / 95 PS) in Boost Mode. It is not a headline-grabber, though Honda tries to add some theatre with an Active Sound Control system that pipes in simulated gearshifts and engine noise through the speakers.

More: Honda’s Tiny £20k Super-N EV Lands In UK Like A Half-Scale Ioniq 5 N

Mugen has yet to put a price on any of these upgrades, as they remain under development. A market launch in Japan is scheduled for late May 2026.

Beyond Japan, the Super-One is headed to the UK, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and parts of Asia, which raises the prospect of a one-make series. It would suit the car rather well.

Mugen

Hydrogen mobility might not be moving forward as quickly as expected in passenger cars, but it still has clear promise in the commercial space. The latest move comes from Isuzu and Toyota, which have teamed up to develop Japan’s first mass-produced light-duty fuel-cell electric truck, expected to reach the road within the next two years.

This won’t be a ground-up rethink. Instead, it rides on the familiar ladder-frame chassis of the Isuzu Elf EV. The electric Elf, known globally as the N-Series, arrived in 2023 with modular 20 kWh battery packs, scaling from 40 to 180 kWh depending on spec.

More: A Gullwing Door Hides The Coziest Room On Wheels

The real story sits under the skin. Toyota’s upcoming third-generation fuel-cell system takes center stage here, bringing a claimed 20% improvement in efficiency over the current setup. It is also expected to last longer and cope better with hard use, which matters when your daily routine involves stop-start urban logistics or hauling refrigerated goods across a city.

Why Hydrogen?

One of the primary drivers behind this FCEV project is the inherent limitation of battery-electric trucks in certain commercial roles. Light-duty trucks used for supermarket and convenience store deliveries often require heavy refrigeration equipment that drains battery power quickly. Furthermore, the long charging times associated with large battery packs can disrupt tight delivery schedules.

More: BMW iX5 Hydrogen Teased With 385 Miles Of Range

Hydrogen refueling, which takes roughly the same amount of time as diesel, offers a more seamless transition for fleet operators, while offering an extended driving range. At the same time, an FCEV truck produces much fewer vibrations and noise compared to a diesel-powered equivalent, while having zero CO2 emissions.

Reducing Costs Is The Key

The sticking point remains cost. Fuel-cell vehicles are still expensive, and hydrogen infrastructure is far from widespread. Isuzu and Toyota say the answer lies in smarter engineering, from optimizing the vehicle structure to rethinking manufacturing processes, alongside continued development of the fuel-cell system itself.

More: The Honda CR-V e:FCEV Is Living On Borrowed Time

Production of the light-duty fuel cell truck is scheduled to start in the Japanese fiscal year 2027, which ends on March 30, 2028.

This isn’t the first time the two companies have worked together on hydrogen. Isuzu and Toyota are already collaborating on the ERGA FCV, an urban flat-floor bus with hydrogen tanks integrated on its roof structure.

Update: After a short teaser run, Nissan has now fully revealed the model in Japan, with fresh images and additional details added below.

Nissan’s Sakura isn’t broken, but it is getting older. Japan’s best-selling EV has now been given a light facelift to keep it competitive in the kei segment, just as a high-profile challenger from China, BYD, enters the scene. The tiny electric car has been around since 2022, when it emerged as the production version of Nissan’s IMk concept from three years prior.

Fresh Face And Floral Hues

The most noticeable change is up front, where a redesigned fascia introduces a body-colored grille section that mimics the Nissan Leaf. It’s paired with a revised bumper that brings sharper angles and more pronounced vertical elements along the sides. The LED headlights carry over unchanged, as does the sheet metal along the profile and the back.

More: Nissan’s New Skyline Borrows Its Most Iconic Detail From The GT-R

Interestingly, these updates are only effective to the X and G grades, with the entry-level S retaining the old design.

The color palette gains a new shade called “Minamono Sakura”, inspired by cherry blossoms floating on water. This is combined with copper accents and a Sterling Silver roof creating an unusual tri-color finish for the flagship Sakura G.

Key-Sized Improvements Inside

The interior looks familiar, but Nissan has introduced several functional upgrades. The drive mode switch has been moved to a more ergonomic position, and the passenger side now includes an additional cup holder.

More: Nissan Killed The Xterra Eleven Years Ago. It Just Teased Its Return

Designers didn’t seem to bother changing the 7-inch digital instrument cluster and 9-inch infotainment, but they did relocate the USB Type-C ports lower in the center console.

For the mid-range X trim, Nissan has moved several popular options to the standard equipment list, including the Intelligent Around View Monitor, heated front seats, and a steering wheel heater. The EV also gains auto lock and unlock functions, a rear seat reminder, a locking mechanism for the charging port, and an optional 1500W AC power outlet.

Mechanically, the Sakura remains powered by a single electric motor producing 63 hp (47 kW / 64 PS) and 195 Nm (144 lb-ft) of torque. The carry-over 20 kWh lithium-ion battery provides a range of up to 180 km (112 miles) under the WLTC cycle.

More: Nissan’s 2027 Rogue Is Gunning For The RAV4, And Its Hybrid Works Nothing Like Toyota’s

The facelifted kei car is available to order in Japan, with the first deliveries expected this summer. Pricing ranges from ¥2,448,600 ($15,400) for the base X trim to ¥2,998,600 ($18,900) for the flagship G. If you take into consideration Japan’s current clean energy subsidies of ¥580,000 ($3,650), the starting price drops to approximately ¥1,870,000 ($11,800).

Nissan says the model has been Japan’s best-selling EV for four consecutive years, recording 14,093 sales in 2025. Competition comes from familiar domestic rivals, including the Mitsubishi eK X EV twin, the Honda N-One e: and N-Van e:, as well as the upcoming BYD Racco.

Nissan

During a recent visit to Japan, it became clear that while the country is renowned worldwide for its robotics and manufacturing excellence, the...

The post The Missing Piece in Japan’s Cleantech Future appeared first on Cleantech Group.