- e SKY named 2027 RJC Car of the Year.
- Ninth RJC win for Suzuki overall.
- 310 km driving range per charge.
- AC energy consumption of 97 Wh/km.
- Winner chosen by vote on November 11.
The NPO Automotive Researchers’ and Journalists’ Conference of Japan (RJC) has selected the e SKY, the first mini passenger EV from Suzuki, as its 2027 RJC Car of the Year. The result follows the Swift’s win in 2024 and takes the manufacturer’s tally in the award to nine.
Suzuki e SKY platform and driving range
Developed under the product concept of “Easy to Switch”, the small electric car is intended as an everyday vehicle that stays by its owner’s side in daily life. Its design aims to combine familiarity with a more advanced look.
Underneath, it uses an eAxle, the dedicated EV platform called HEARTECT-e and a regenerative braking system. All three were developed according to the company’s philosophy of conduct, “Sho-Sho-Kei-Tan-Bi”, which stands for Smaller, Fewer, Lighter, Shorter, Beauty. Combined with thorough weight reduction and efficiency improvements, these give a driving range of 310 km per charge and an AC energy consumption rate of 97 Wh/km, based on the WLTC mode value certified by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.
Why the RJC chose the e SKY
In its reasons for the award, the RJC pointed to the newly developed HEARTECT-e platform and the compact integrated eAxle behind the low energy consumption. Judges also praised the friendly exterior, in particular a shoulder line that carries heritage elements from the Suzulight, the brand’s first mini vehicle. Easy-to-use controls were rated highly for making the move from an internal combustion car feel seamless.
Suzuki president on the award
Toshihiro Suzuki, Representative Director and President of Suzuki Motor Corporation, said the company was delighted with the result. He described the e SKY as combining “the ease of use that customers have come to expect from mini vehicles, with the power and comfort unique to a BEV”, and said the firm would strive to make it a vehicle loved by even more customers.
About the 2027 RJC Car of the Year
This year marks the 36th edition of the awards. Eligible vehicles were passenger cars produced in Japan and announced and launched between November 1, 2025 and October 31, 2026, with the winner decided through voting held on November 11.
Supplied by Newspress UK (Suzuki)
This story is based on aggregated news, press release(s) or other sources and was prepared with the help of AI tools, which can make mistakes. Prices, specifications, general information and availability may change, so confirm the details with the manufacturer, other news sources or a dealer.
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