The most exciting Japanese cars on sale today

Japanese cars offer practical, efficient, durable and reliable motoring.

From budget city cars to high-performance supercars, Japan has produced some of the world’s most interesting and exciting models.

Here in the UK, the rise in SUVs means that there are becoming fewer options for those who love driving or want something completely unique.

Japanese cars come with lots of standard equipment while offering high levels of quality and efficiency.

With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of the best and most exciting cars on sale today from Japan.

One of the best hot hatchbacks of the moment is Honda’s Civic Type R.

Under the bonnet, there is a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine that develops 333bhp and 420Nm of torque.

It features flared wheel arches, a large rear spoiler and a lower stiffened chassis to make it corner flat.

Inside, there are body-hugging bucket seats, along with an aluminium gear knob and an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel.

The Civic Type R is one of the most hardcore and exciting hot hatchbacks on the market.

The Toyota GR Yaris is a hot hatchback that will go down in history as one of the all-time greats.

Last year, the car received some updates to make it even better. Changes included a stiffened chassis, upgraded suspension and more power.

The exterior features a redesigned front bumper, an updated rear bumper and fresh tail lights.

Inside, the driving position is lower, there’s a new dashboard design and drive modes – sharpening the throttle response and adding weight to the steering.

The GR Yaris is fast, fun and exciting. Plus, with its bespoke four-wheel-drive setup, it comes with endless amounts of grip.

One of the world’s best-selling two-seater sports cars is Mazda’s MX-5.

Now in its fourth generation, this little car offers big thrills with little bills. There is a choice of a fabric foldable roof or a metal folding hardtop on the Retractable Fastback (RF) model.

Out on the road, the MX-5 feels light, nimble and agile and comes with bucketloads of character. It may not be the fastest car in the world, but that adds to its fun nature.

Parts are easy to source and running costs are affordable, due to the car’s frugal engines. If you want that wind-in-the-hair experience, but don’t want to fork out lots of cash – the MX-5 is one of the best two-seater sports cars on the market.

An unusual car on this list is Lexus’ LM minivan. It competes in a niche market that only has one direct rival – the Mercedes V-Class Marco Polo.

The LM is one of the most luxurious and spacious cars on the market today. It comes with the choice of four or seven seats, with prices starting at just over £90,000.

If you go for the four-seater configuration, this Lexus is like no other car on the road. There is a 48-inch ultrawide TV screen, two umbrellas, a fridge and two reclining armchairs that feature seven-way massaging functions.

On the road, the LM glides along with its ultra-soft suspension – making it ideal for long trips.

Its styling is divisive, but if you like it, the LM is a unique and special vehicle.

One of the most dependable and tough vehicles on our roads is the Toyota Land Cruiser.

This latest model comes with diesel power and a striking exterior design. Built to rival the Mercedes G-Class and Land Rover Defender, the Land Cruiser has become the choice for those who want endless reliability, with tough and rugged off-road capability.

Under the bonnet, you’ll find a 2.8-litre diesel engine that produces 207bhp and 500Nm of torque – giving the car a maximum towing capacity of 3,500kg.

It won’t set the world alight when it comes to the driving experience, but if you want a car that looks cool, can go anywhere and will last a lifetime – the Land Cruiser is in a class of its own.