With vehicles that outclass most other brands in comfort, luxury, and overall driving experience, the Japanese have secured undisputed territory within the UK automotive market. Also known as ‘grey imports’, in the past five years, over 350,000 Japanese cars have been sold. This is a 38% increase from the previous five years, and it indicates that these JDM stars are here to stay.
In this article, we’ll take you through the top 10 Japanese Car Imports of 2022. Hopefully, we’ll give you some ideas for your next import on this list!
1. Mazda Mx-5
Whilst Mazda did sell the MX-5 in the UK, more often than not, car enthusiasts will state that the Japanese import is much more fun! Known as the Eunos Roadster, this Japanese model is praised for its low maintenance and running costs, and let’s not forget its 50-50 weight distribution and front-engine, rear-wheel-drive configuration too!
Many enthusiasts also choose to modify the MX-5 and find it a great starting point for various different projects.
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We can’t forget to mention the looks of the Mk1 Mazda MX-5, either. This model will always catch people’s eyes with its pop-up headlights.
2. Nissan Silvia
In more recent years, the Nissan Silvia has become a very popular Japanese import on the UK market. Many owners often praise the front-engine, rear-wheel drive formula of the Nissan Silvia, and believe that Nissan really hit the nail on the head with this sports coupe. At the end of the day, they must have been doing something right to have this model in production for 32 years!
3. Nissan Skyline GT-R
Even if you’re not a Japanese car enthusiast, you probably still recognize the legend that is the Nissan Skyline GT-R. It’s an iconic performance car and a true track warrior, with a unique design that made it one of the most sought-after vehicles to have ever come out of Japan.
What’s more with the Skyline GT-R, if you are considering this purchase with a view of collectability, this model has quite a few rare variations. For example, the NISMO variety is incredibly rare, with just 500 produced.
4. Subaru Impreza
The Subaru Impreza is a high-quality vehicle that offers brilliant levels of durability, safety, and reliability. With all-wheel-drive traction available and a legendary rally car heritage, this vehicle model is just as practical as it is fun.
5. Mitsubishi EVO
The Mitsubishi Evolution is another famed Japanese car with a rich history and incredible driving dynamics. With wild looks, innovative four-wheel drive, and great performance, it’s not often that this vehicle is seen outside of Japan! The Evo was in production from 1996 to 2016, and through six generations, this vehicle is a much rarer sight compared to its nemesis, the Impreza.
6. Toyota Corolla AE86
The Toyota Corolla has long been a brilliant practical car for many. However, among all the various Corolla models that have been produced throughout the years, the AE86 coupe versions have stood out the most.
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One reason for this icon status is the simple fact that this vehicle is an excellent car for those learning to control a rear-wheel drive configuration, with a great balance between RWD and mechanical simplicity. Many even think that the AE86 could teach modern sportscars a thing or two about handling!
7. Honda Integra Type R
Nowadays, you’ll see many Hondas sporting the Type R here in the UK. However, back in the 90s, this was something that only the Japanese market could boast, and from this, rose the Honda Integra Type R. Over various generations and stylings, this vehicle has been regarded by many as one of the finest front-wheel drive performance cars of all time.
8. Nissan Figaro
Designed and introduced at the 1989 Tokyo Motor Show, the Nissan Figaro was presented to the world as a limited-edition luxury car. This model was actually so popular in Japan that Nissan was forced to sell the car through a lottery-style system.
It’s a two-door convertible roadster, with a turbocharged engine, which since the day it debuted, has been a modern-day classic. You wouldn’t be blamed for thinking that this was a real classic, however, as the car looks straight out of the 50s, yet it is equipped with all the modern-day luxuries!
9. Mazda RX-7
The Mazda RX-7 is another vehicle that was sold in the UK too, however, the most exciting versions were kept back for the Japanese market.
For example, the highly desirable spirit R was sold only in Japan. This variation came completely kitted out with Bilstein suspension, lightweight wheels, and racing seats; a world away from the toned-down UK-spec model.
10. Toyota Supra
The first Supra arrived in 1978, and more recently it has made a comeback. However, when you say the words ‘Toyota Supra’ to any Japanese car fan, they’ll likely dream up a vision of the Mk4 Supra; the most iconic of the range. With a long, low bonnet and high-rise spoiler, it oozes performance.
The wonderful cars on the list above need specialist insurance when you finally have them imported. Sometimes, grey imports are hard to insure, so the best step to take towards finding an insurance policy for your import that will give you the coverage you need is to contact a Japanese import car insurance specialist such as Advance Insurance.
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