Tokyo Motor Show

The future of the Mercedes-Benz X-Class ute has been placed in doubt for the third time this year, with joint venture partner Nissan telling international media at the Tokyo motor show: “We are doing our best to help them and that’s about it”. Nissan builds the Mercedes-Benz X-Class in its Navara factory in Spain and the project was designed to cut production costs for both brands.

Mitsubishi has revealed its latest concept car in Tokyo, the Mi-Tech Concept, with an plug-in hybrid powertrain and a beach-buggy body. Built as a "small plug-in hybrid electric SUV that delivers unparalleled driving pleasure", the Mitsubishi Mi-Tech is powered by a plug-in hybrid powertrain blending a gas turbine with an electric motor. The turbine can be powered by diesel, kerosene, or alcohol (if you're feeling wasteful), and has a "powerful output for its size and weight".

The Nissan Ariya electric SUV might be a concept car for now, but the 2019 Tokyo motor show star could make its way to Australian showrooms if it goes into production. And its design is a sign of things to come from most leading car brands. The Ariya – which Nissan says roughly translates to “timeless Japanese futurism” – has two electric motors and the body sits on a “skateboard” style flat battery pack.

Leaked photos of the next-generation Toyota Yaris completely undisguised were published online overnight. Like earlier spy photos, this car features flared wheel arches and a curvaceous body. From these images posted by Newsauto we can the new Yaris has LED headlights, a large, gaping grille, and an aggressively-cut front bumper.

Toyota has handed down a first look at its next-generation 2020 Mirai hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicle (FCEV), ahead of this month's Tokyo motor show. Continuing Toyota CEO Akio Toyoda's mandate for a more emotionally-inspired design theme across the brand's model lines, the new concept boasts a look that is sportier and more imposing in its proportions than the quirky futuristic look of the current Mirai.