Japan has a storied motoring heritage and the country’s classic sports cars are highly revered.
Japanese carmakers don’t tend to phone it in very often; most cars from Nissan, Toyota, Honda, Mazda and Suzuki are intensively thought-out and engineered with passion – even for the more mainstream models.
Toyota in particular has perfected hybrid technology – making its powertrains efficient and reliable – while Japanese manufacturers also produce excellent 4x4s and drivers’ cars. We’ve rounded up 10 of the best modern cars to buy from the home of sushi and Takeshi’s Castle, most of which can be bought from your local friendly Motorpoint store.
Suzuki Swift
The Suzuki Swift has always been an outside choice in the supermini sector, but opt for it and you’ll swiftly fall in love with it. By keeping it lightweight, Suzuki has created a car that’s fun to drive yet really economical; the hybrid-assisted petrol engine is capable of over 70mpg. And there’s plenty of tech inside for a small car – wireless Apple CarPlay, radar cruise control and a reversing camera, to name just three.
Shop used Suzuki Swift cars for sale or read our Suzuki Swift review
Toyota GR Yaris
Most carmakers have discontinued their hot hatch efforts, but Toyota has doubled down. The GR Yaris is completely different to the regular Yaris – it even has a completely different three-door body shell with a chopped roofline. Four-wheel drive is standard and the small turbo petrol engine punches well above its weight, which is one part of a driving experience that is pure distilled delight.
Shop used Toyota GR Yaris cars for sale or read our Toyota GR Yaris review
Mazda CX-60
Something completely different: the Mazda CX-60 is a luxurious SUV that we’ve compared with everything from the Land Rover Defender to the Porsche Macan. It’s a rival to the BMW X3 and Audi Q5, really, but it’s very plush and very talented in a number of areas. A big 3.3-litre diesel engine brings Mazda’s cleverest minds together, and the resulting 54mpg is about 10mph north of its main competitors. There’s also a plug-in hybrid that promises eco-friendly EV driving and a smooth petrol engine.
Shop used Mazda CX-60 cars for sale or read our Mazda CX-60 review
Nissan Qashqai
Nissan might be Japanese but the Qashqai is one of our own; alongside the Juke it’s made right here in the UK. Where it’s perennially a best-selling car. Affordable prices, a more practical interior and a bit more plushness have all helped the latest Qashqai remain a favourite among its many excellent rivals. An excellent all-rounder; the Qashqai might be an obvious choice but that’s for a reason.
Shop used Nissan Qashqai cars for sale or read our Nissan Qashqai review
Mazda MX-5
The Mazda MX-5 has been in production for over 35 years, with the same formula that’s etched in stone. An MX-5 is small and featherweight, rear-wheel drive, simply fantastic to drive and… completely impractical. Despite this, thousands have found homes (and happy owners) in the UK, where our often grey skies can’t touch the joy of the MX-5. If you want a small sports car or simply something fun to drive, the MX-5 has to be on your shortlist.
Shop used Mazda MX-5 cars for sale or read our Mazda MX-5 review
Toyota Yaris Cross
We could’ve put the Yaris on this list for its smooth driving experience and a thirst for fuel that’s wonderfully light on your wallet, but it’s not the most practical car on offer. Enter the Yaris Cross, a slightly bigger, slightly taller Yaris with more space and a bigger boot, but still with impressively low running costs and ease of use. We’ve seen well over 60mpg from the Yaris Cross’ hybrid engine, which doesn’t need to be plugged in and seems to be relentlessly reliable. Even if something does go wrong, you’ve got the backup of Toyota’s 10-year warranty.
Shop used Toyota Yaris Cross cars for sale or read our Toyota Yaris Cross review
Honda Jazz
The Honda Jazz is officially a supermini, but with the ‘mini’ taken out and an extra dose of ‘super’ added in. A supersuper. Clever use of space means there’s limousine-like legroom for four passengers, plus flip-up seat bases and an eye on everyday versatility. Another hybrid hatch, the auto-only Jazz returns 62mpg and is so simple to drive that a monkey could get in it and point it towards the M1.
Shop used Honda Jazz cars for sale or read our Honda Jazz review
Honda Civic Type R
The standard Honda Civic, another clever hybrid, is a fantastic family hatchback. But the Civic Type R is on another level entirely. Yes, it’ll cost a lot more to buy and to run, but the Civic Type R keeps you tuned in with the driving experience and, simply put, is one of the best hot hatches ever built. Its always eager engine, extraordinary handling and perfect manual gearshift add up to one of the best-driving cars this side of a Porsche 911.
Toyota Prius
Not so long ago, the Toyota Prius was idolised by some but ridiculed by others; stereotypes around hybrid and electrified cars pinned on one scapegoat model. The new Prius, however, is cool. Striking enough for car enthusiasts and normal folks to turn their heads for a closer look. In the UK it’s only available as a plug-in hybrid (originally we weren’t going to get it at all), which gives plentiful electric range and economical hybrid driving when the battery hasn’t got enough charge to work alone.
Toyota Land Cruiser
Toyota’s bandwidth is unparalleled. An easy to park city car? The Aygo X. Proper sports cars? The GR Yaris, GR86 and GR Supra. A whole commercial vehicle range? Tick. At the top of the passenger car range is the iconic Land Cruiser, an SUV built for countries where asphalt roads are for the few, not the many. The Land Cruiser’s inimitable blend of go-anywhere ability and durable toughness make it a common sight in inhospitable climates, wartorn countries or… the British countryside. It’s probably the best Japanese 7-seater, and almost certainly the best Japanese 4x4.
