YOKOHAMA: The Honda Freed was picked as Japan Car of the Year 2024-25.
It was a close fight between the Freed and Mazda CX-80 but the Freed surged ahead with 220 votes to the CX-80’s 196 votes.
“When designing the Freed, we went back to basics and created a new standard for the family minivan that offers class-leading comfort, usability and packaging with the option of Honda’s unique hybrid system and a very reasonable price tag,” said the Freed’s chief engineer Satoru Azumi.
In third place with 172 votes, BMW picked up its second straight Import Car of the Year trophy with the MINI Cooper, while the edgy Mitsubishi Triton pickup truck surprised many to win the Design Award with 11 votes, just one vote ahead of the sleek electric BYD Seal sedan.
In addition, the Honda CR-V e:FCEV captured the Technology Award for its hydrogen-powered fuel cell development and the Japan COTY steering committee’s Special Award went to Mazda’s e-Skyactiv R-EV rotary technology.
The 10 Best cars for 2024-2025 finished in the following order : Honda Freed (220), Mazda CX-80 (196), MINI Cooper (172), Suzuki Front (110), Lexus LBX (70), Hyundai IONIQ 5 N (52), Toyota Land Cruiser (44), BYD Seal (32), Volvo EX30 (30), and Mitsubishi Triton (18).
Some 59 jurors, representatives from 41 of the country’s most influential automotive and lifestyle publications and dozens of car industry executives gathered to witness the vote-counting and prize-giving ceremony for this year’s Japan Car of the Year awards.
The Japan Car of the Year organisation celebrates its 45th year in 2024.
Honda’s all-new Freed is offered in two distinctive styles in Japan: the Freed Air, emphasising a sophisticated and minimalist design, and the Freed Crosstar, featuring rugged, sporty aesthetics for active lifestyles.
The Freed Air showcases sharp front-end styling with sleek headlights and a simple, high-quality side profile accented by advanced stamping technology. The Freed Crosstar adds unique elements such as black wheel arch protectors, roof rails, and silver garnishes for a more dynamic appearance.
Both variants focus on user-friendliness, combining elegance with practicality for everyday use. Inside, a clean, stress-free cabin layout integrates intuitive controls and a 7-inch TFT display to enhance comfort and ease of operation.
The new Freed debuts Honda’s e:HEV two-motor hybrid system alongside a gasoline-powered variant, both featuring a 1.5L DOHC i-VTEC engine.
The hybrid version achieves improved thermal efficiency, offering better fuel economy and responsive low-speed performance.
Gasoline models boast a quieter engine and upgraded CVT for smooth acceleration. For added versatility, both powertrains include Honda’s Real Time AWD, providing enhanced stability in challenging road conditions, including snow. The redesigned suspension and optimised body rigidity ensure a comfortable and confident driving experience for all passengers.
Focusing on safety and driving ease, the Freed enhances handling with improved body rigidity balance and reduced suspension friction.
The hybrid model leverages motor-driven performance for smooth, low-speed acceleration, while gasoline models emphasize quiet, efficient operation. Whether navigating urban streets or rough terrain, the Freed’s engineering prioritises stability and peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike.
