Nissan Sakura, Mitsubishi eK X EV bag 2022-2023 Japan COTY, Kei Car of the Year awards

Both the Nissan Sakura and the Mitsubishi eK X EV were named 2022-2023 Japan Car of the Year winners. Likewise, both cute cars received the Kei Car of the Year honors.

The Nissan Sakura gave the Yokohama-based brand its sixth Japan Car of the Year award while the Mitsubishi eK X EV gave the Minato City-headquartered company its fifth Japan Car of the Year win.

For those wondering, yes, the Nissan Sakura and the Mitsubishi eK X EV are closely related with both vehicles coming in as products of Nissan and Mitsubishi’s alliance — pretty much like the Nissan Livina and the Mitsubishi Xpander.

Per the organizing committee, they chose the Nissan Sakura and the Mitsubishi eK X EV as the 2022-2023 Japan Car of the Year winners due to their realistic and competitive prices. In addition to contributing to the spread of electric vehicles (EV) in Japan, both cars offer mobility for the masses, including the elderly.

Furthermore, the Nissan Sakura and the Mitsubishi eK X EV offer solutions for solving societal issues in Japan relating to the expected decrease in gasoline stations due to the country’s progressive carbon-neutral activities.

Performance-wise, the Nissan Sakura and the Mitsubishi eK X EV were praised for their handling and dynamic performance.

As for their Kei Car of the Year honors, the organizing committee ruled that the Nissan Sakura and the Mitsubishi eK X EV offered good value for money as an entry-level battery EV in the kei car category. They were also recognized for having an impressive driving range of 120 to 150 kilometers (km).

"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,” said Mitsubishi Motors Chief Executive Officer Takao Kato.

Photos from Nissan and Mitsubishi Japan

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