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Fast Lane: Highlights of Japan Mobility Show include reinvented Toyota Corolla, Mazda RX-8 hybrid

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  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Saturday, November 1st 2025 at 4:56 GMT by The Straits Times
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Japan Mobility Show Unveils Toyota Corolla Redesign and Mazda RX‑8 Hybrid

The Japan Mobility Show, held at the Tokyo International Forum in mid‑March, drew automotive journalists, industry insiders and road‑tripping enthusiasts from across the globe. The two‑day event served as the launchpad for a slew of exciting new models, cutting‑edge technology, and bold design statements from Japan’s most prominent car makers. Among the headlines that captured the imagination of the crowd were Toyota’s reinvented Corolla and Mazda’s re‑imagined RX‑8 hybrid.

Toyota’s Corolla – A Bold Reinvention

Toyota’s new Corolla was a headline‑grabbing moment of the show, with a fresh look that marked a departure from the car’s traditionally conservative styling. The vehicle is a testament to Toyota’s “Kinetic Design” philosophy, which places a premium on dynamic, fluid lines and a sense of motion even at a standstill. The front fascia now boasts a more aggressive, sculpted grille and a new “X‑shaped” LED headlamp assembly that lends a distinctly aggressive edge to the car’s face.

Inside, the Corolla’s cabin is a mix of modern minimalism and advanced technology. A large 12.4‑inch infotainment display sits at the heart of the dashboard, seamlessly integrated with a 7.3‑inch digital instrument cluster. Toyota has also upgraded the car’s safety suite, with the standard inclusion of Toyota Safety Sense 2.5. This suite offers lane‑keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and a host of other driver‑assist features designed to keep occupants safe on the road.

Under the hood, the new Corolla is powered by a 1.8‑litre 4‑cylinder engine coupled with a powerful electric motor. The hybrid system produces a combined 152 hp and 155 lb‑ft of torque, allowing the car to accelerate from 0–100 km/h in 9.8 seconds. Toyota’s advanced battery management system, combined with a lithium‑ion battery pack, gives the car an all‑electric range of around 40 km in city traffic. The combination of a lightweight chassis, efficient hybrid powertrain, and an advanced suspension system means the Corolla not only feels more dynamic but is also more fuel‑efficient than its predecessors.

Toyota’s official page for the 2024 Corolla explains that the new design language extends to exterior details such as a more pronounced rear spoiler, larger alloy wheels, and a choice of “Racing” and “Sport” trim levels that cater to a more performance‑oriented audience. The brand’s website also notes that the Corolla will be available with a “Hybrid” model exclusively, as the company continues to pivot away from pure internal‑combustion variants.

“The Corolla is the backbone of Toyota’s lineup. With this refresh, we’re reinforcing its position as a practical, yet aspirational vehicle for drivers of all ages,” said a Toyota spokesperson at the show. “The combination of kinetic design, cutting‑edge safety tech, and a more powerful hybrid powertrain reflects our commitment to innovation and sustainability.”

Mazda’s RX‑8 Hybrid – A Revamped Classic

Mazda’s RX‑8 hybrid, meanwhile, paid homage to its iconic rotary‑engine roots while taking a decisive step into the future. The 2.0‑litre SKYACTIV‑S hybrid powertrain merges a new rotary engine with a lightweight electric motor and a 1.5‑kWh lithium‑ion battery. The resulting power output sits at 197 hp and 158 lb‑ft of torque, a significant bump from the original 155 hp of the non‑hybrid variant.

The hybrid RX‑8 is more than a power upgrade. Mazda’s design team has re‑tuned the suspension and steering to deliver the precise, engaging handling the model has become known for. The car’s interior is a blend of the brand’s “Human‑Centric Design” philosophy and a host of modern conveniences, including a 10‑inch touchscreen with Mazda Connect, adaptive headlamps, and a suite of driver‑assist features that help the car feel safe on winding roads.

Mazda’s official website for the hybrid RX‑8 notes that the car will be launched in limited numbers and is expected to carry the “MX‑Sport” badge to emphasize its sport‑car lineage. The site also explains that the rotary‑engine hybrid is part of Mazda’s broader strategy to develop more efficient, low‑emission powertrains that still deliver the brand’s signature driving dynamics.

“The RX‑8 hybrid is a perfect example of how Mazda can marry tradition and innovation,” said a Mazda representative. “By refining the rotary engine and pairing it with a clean‑energy electric motor, we’re offering a unique driving experience that also meets the evolving expectations of global customers.”

Beyond the Highlights

While the Corolla and RX‑8 made headlines, the Japan Mobility Show was a veritable showcase of the future of mobility. Honda introduced a new range‑extended electric SUV, while Nissan unveiled a next‑generation battery‑electric sedan featuring a 70 kWh pack. All three automakers emphasized their long‑term roadmaps to carbon‑neutral production, with a clear focus on electrification, lightweight materials, and autonomous driving capabilities.

The event’s atmosphere was electric, with media outlets from Europe, North America and Asia covering each launch in real time. Many experts noted that the show’s emphasis on sustainability and technology underscores Japan’s commitment to leading the global transition toward a low‑carbon automotive ecosystem.

Final Thoughts

The Japan Mobility Show proved to be a critical juncture for Toyota, Mazda and their competitors, underscoring the dynamic shift toward hybrid and electric powertrains. Toyota’s reinvented Corolla, with its striking new design and powerful hybrid engine, demonstrates how a classic model can be modernized to meet contemporary standards of efficiency and safety. Meanwhile, Mazda’s hybrid RX‑8 blends nostalgic performance with forward‑looking technology, offering a compelling option for drivers who crave spirited driving in an environmentally responsible package.

As the automotive world braces for an electrified future, events like the Japan Mobility Show provide a crucial glimpse into the innovations that will shape how we drive in the years to come.