“Car Styling Design Grand Prize 2025” Winners Announced. Mitsubishi Delica Mini Selected for Production Car Category, Century for Concept Car Category

Toyota Crown Estate (Production Car Category – Three Best)

What was highly evaluated about the Toyota Crown Estate is its proposal as a spacious, mature wagon that has become rare in the recent Japanese market. It feels like a car made where one can imagine the richness of life and the character of the owner. In color strategy as well, the unique approach of deliberately not offering the standard “silver metallic” and adopting matte colors for special editions was evaluated. Additionally, the three-dimensional styling of the side view is attractive with good balance and a sense of mass, and the careful craftsmanship in surface composition and finish was recognized. Regarding reviving the wagon rather than just making another SUV, there were opinions that it feels like “something that questions the times” and Toyota’s determination.

On the other hand, there was also the observation that when seen on the street, it appears to blend in with other cars. Particularly, voices arose that the silhouette is close to the new RAV4 and others, and it doesn’t demonstrate strong individuality in proportions. Furthermore, doubts were raised that compared to other Crown series models such as Crossover, Sport, and Sedan, the Estate might be the least differentiated.

Lexus GX (Production Car Category – Three Best)

What was highly evaluated about the Lexus GX is its serious styling. Particularly, the front area and fender styling are magnificent, and the powerful exterior framework and interior instrument panel composition are harmonized at a very high level. The expression of the spindle, Lexus’s symbol, has also matured into a “spindle body” that skillfully integrates with the body’s three-dimensional structure, and the good facial expression in the actual vehicle makes one feel the evolution of design. Furthermore, the deliberate pursuit of “lightness” and “racy feel” rather than the traditional heavy luxury route was received as an interesting challenge in exploring new territory. The expression from the rugged cross-country Land Cruiser to a premium four-wheel drive with a refined front, while using the same body as the Land Cruiser, is magnificent.

On the other hand, regarding the “texture” expected of Lexus, opinions arose that the staging through materials was insufficient, such as the presence of film materials rather than real wood on interior ornament panels, and the seat tailoring being too subdued. Also, questions were raised about brand identity regarding sharing the framework with the Toyota Land Cruiser 250. The observation was that there is a lack of clear brand answer, including in staging aspects such as material feel, to the question of why one would choose the GX rather than the Land Cruiser. Regarding the rear design treatment as well, the evaluation was that it did not reach the level of completion of the front.

Daihatsu K-OPEN (Concept Car Category – Three Best)

The greatest appeal of this car lies in its clear concept focused on the pure purpose of “fun driving.” While modern automobiles are heading toward multi-functionality such as autonomous driving and AI, the cockpit composed of only basic instruments, deliberately eliminating complex HMI, was highly evaluated at the judging meeting as something that highlights the purity of the concept.

In terms of styling as well, the level of completion is extremely high. The stability of proportions, the so-called “good sitting,” stands out, and it had a strong presence even at the Japan Mobility Show venue. Regarding CMF as well, the body color with beautiful highlights that change to blue was highly praised.

On the other hand, the design compositional elements themselves also have an aspect of “familiar techniques,” and in terms of presenting innovative design language like Lexus, it took a step back. Also, compared to the overwhelming impact of the Century, its message remains natural and simple.

Lexus LS Concept (Concept Car Category – Three Best)

What was most highly evaluated about this model is its challenging approach, as if everything was wiped clean and built from scratch. The packaging that presents an entirely new way of spatial existence, not an extension of conventional sedans, is very unique, and in terms of design originality, some judges viewed it as “the newest proposal,” surpassing other candidate vehicles.

On the other hand, rigorous discussions were held regarding prestige and emotional value as a luxury car. Particularly, there were observations that the expression centered on the front mask was “mean face (aggressive face),” and questions were raised about whether it possesses the appropriate elegance as a chauffeur car for future corporate executives. Additionally, while it was acknowledged as a challenging and new attempt, opinions were divided on whether it crystallizes into pure beauty, and in terms of emotional resonance that touches the heart beyond logic, it took a step back from other models.