Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (Mitsubishi Motors) announced that the all-new eK X EV, a fully-electric Kei-car, wins the 2022-2023 Japan Car of the Year and the K Car of the Year, according to the company.
Japan Car of the Year
In awarding the Japan Car of the Year, the organizing committee acknowledged the eK X EV for adopting Japanese kei-car standards, reducing the barrier to owning a battery electric vehicle at a realistic vehicle cost, and increasing the potential for BEVs to spread in Japan.
In addition, before the full-fledged decarbonization era, the combination of BEV and Kei-car ensures mobility freedom for people, including the elderly and presented the possibility of resolving social issues in a situation where public transportation and gas stations are anticipated to decline.
With regards to driving performance, many said that its handling and dynamic performance exceed those of typical Kei-cars. Additionally, it was highly evaluated for its safety equipment, which includes the 360-degree safety assist (all-around driver assistance system), offering driver assistance features comparable to that of a luxury car.
K Car of the Year
On the other hand, in awarding the K Car of the Year, the organizing committee commended the eK X EV as an entry-level BEV, a good value for money, even within the Kei-cars category.
Moreover, it was highly acknowledged for its 120-150 km (74-93 miles) driving range. With the expected usage environment and for balancing quietness and handling stability at a high level, some selection committee members have pointed to those as the reasons for the Japan Car of the Year award.
This marks the fifth time Mitsubishi Motors received the Japan Car of the Year, following the Galant and Legnum in 1996, and the third time it has received an award in the Kei-car category, following the eK space and eK X space in 2020.
We are truly honored to receive the prestigious Japan Car of the Year awards. The electrification technology that we have honed over the years and our underlying strength in car manufacturing have been highly evaluated. We will continue to deliver vehicles that embody Mitsubishi Motors-ness – a combination of safety, security, comfort and environmental-friendliness – and that make driving even more fulfilling for our customers, while contributing to the realization of a carbon-neutral society.
Takao Kato, president and chief executive officer of Mitsubishi Motors
Mitsubishi eK X EV
The eK X EV is a new electric vehicle model in the eK X series6, the automaker’s kei-car series with an SUV flavor, offered at an affordable cost with a driving range of 180 km (111 miles) in WLTC mode and on a single charge that’s enough for daily use.
It’s been well received for its user-friendliness, connectivity, spacious and pleasant cabin, the smooth and powerful EV driving experience, quiet and comfortable ride, and advanced driver assistance systems.
Since the premiere in May 2022, about 7,500 orders have been received since November 2022.
About the 2022-2023 Car of the Year Japan
The 43rd Car of the Year Japan awards were given to models which premiered or began sales in the Japanese market from November 1, 2021-October 31, 2022.
This year, the 10 Best Cars were chosen on November 4, and the jury voted for each award after the 10 Best Test Drive on November 24.
The results were announced on December 8, and winners were chosen for the 2022-2023 Japan Car of the Year, Design Car of the Year, Import Car of the Year, K Car of the Year, Performance Car of the Year, and Technology Car of the Year.
