Driving in Japan is frustrating for all the good reasons

Nissan Philippines recently brought me as well as a handful of other motoring media and influencer/s on a trip to Japan to visit the 2023 edition of the Japan Mobility Show. You can read all about that here.

And with such a great experience seeing one of the largest motor (or now mobility) shows in the world, Nissan had more up its sleeve to cap off the 6-day trip. That was making us experience what it’s like driving in the country known for its very courteous and well-disciplined drivers.

That surely got everyone in the group excited. For me, it would be my first time to drive on the left-hand side of the road with the steering wheel on the right side of the car, the opposite of what we have in the Philippines. Also, Nissan prepared for us two units each of the Nissan X-Trail e-POWER e-4ORCE, Nissan Serena e-POWER, and the pièce de résistance—the Nissan Ariya fully-electric crossover.

Nissan X-Trail, Ariya, and Serena

After a quick bus ride from Tokyo down south to the city of Yokohama, we arrived at the Nissan Global Headquarters where we quickly checked-out the Nissan Gallery where many of their lineup, including the GT-R, Z, and Skyline, were available for public viewing. Nissan merchandise was also available. Not long after, we had a briefing for the drive’s itinerary before heading down to the basement where the vehicles mentioned were waiting for us.

And just to get it over with, the three models we’re taking out today are currently just rumored to arrive in our market without any certainty yet. Given that we were tasked to drive them though, it’s safe to say that they will come. We just do not know when.

For a little background on these vehicles, the Nissan X-Trail e-POWER e-4ORCE gets a 1.5-liter Inline 3-cylinder gasoline engine that makes 144 horsepower and 250 Nm of torque, under the hood. That acts as a generator to charge the front and rear electric motors that produce 240 and 136 horsepower, and 330 and 195 Nm, respectively. Meanwhile, the Nissan Serena gets a 1.4-liter Inline 3-cylinder gasoline engine that makes 98 horsepower and 123 Nm. This charges the 163 horsepower electric motor that also has 315 Nm. 

Finally, the Nissan Ariya is powered by a 352V 91kWh lithium-ion battery, paired to dual 45 kW electric motors both with 218 horsepower and 300 Nm of torque, each. It can drive for up to 560 kilometers on a full charge

Driving in Japan is frustrating for all the good reasons

I didn’t start driving immediately as I chose to be a passenger first because I needed to rush some work. This allowed me to sit at the back of our first assigned car, the X-Trail e-POWER e-4ORCE. Taking the front seats were media colleagues Pablo Salapantan of YugaAuto as the driver, and Manskee Nascimento of VISOR as co-pilot.

As soon as we got on the streets of Yokohama, you can immediately feel how easy it was for Pablo to drive despite it being his first time as well to drive on the left side. 

We correctly followed our phone navigation system, with the rest of the convoy getting lost in confusion taking some wrong turns. This is where it started getting frustrating as Japan’s highway interchanges were quite complex and despite that, it was very easy for us to navigate around. I don’t know about the others but we loved it. 

As we entered the expressway, slower moving vehicles stayed on the outer lane as they should. The speed limit on the expressway was at 80 kph and yet, even vehicles going much faster (around 140 kph and above) were still staying on the left when not overtaking. This is something that we should really adapt to on our own highways as slow moving drivers love to hog the overtaking lanes.

Of course, with expressways also come toll booths. Like we do locally, Japan is making full use of contactless toll payments through RFID and oh boy, most lanes are barrierless and you can go through at speeds of around 20 to 30 kph, not having to stop.

Also, drivers were not selfish when it comes to giving way in traffic. Zipper merging despite not being a rule was practiced, as well as not cutting into other vehicles when trying to join the main road from side streets.

The Nissan X-Trail e-POWER e-4ORCE is a need

While I was not able to experience the Nissan X-Trail e-POWER e-4ORCE behind the wheel, our driver couldn’t help but feel amazed by how it performed. According to him, steering feel and feedback was well-balanced with a good amount of weight and lightness. Power delivery is also excellent thanks to the fact that with e-POWER, you get a full electric drive experience unlike most hybrid systems such as those from Toyota.

I myself enjoyed the X-Trail’s ride comfort as given that Japan’s roads are extremely well-maintained, the occasional pothole and uneven portions of the road were well dampened and barely felt. NVH insulation also leans on the better side of things as the cabin remained very quiet, allowing all three of us to have a good conversation.

In all seriousness, the X-Trail e-POWER not coming into the Philippines is Nissan missing out, especially with the popularity of the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and the recent introduction of the new Honda CR-V e:HEV which are both its direct competitors.

Beautiful Kamakura and the Nissan Serena e-POWER

We soon arrived in the amazingly beautiful and scenic seaside city of Kamakura, passing through some of the most beautiful roads I’ve been on. This was made even better by the fact that we were ahead of the convoy by nearly 30 minutes, allowing us to take in all the scenery. Not only that, the very well-behaved demeanour of Japanese drivers made it even more relaxing.

We soon arrived at our lunch stop at the Kamakura Prince Hotel where we also later-on switched to the Nissan Serena e-POWER. This one is something very familiar to our market as well as the former Nissan Motor Philippines offered the Taiwan-sourced Serena which also gained some popularity. Unfortunately we no longer have it as well but who knows?

With me seated on one of the 2nd row captain’s chairs, and all four of us in the vehicle amazed by the breathtaking scenery of the seaside roads, as well as the nearby Enoshima Sea Candle on Enoshima Island, as well as the Shichirigahama Beach (those who watched Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai would be very familiar with these places), following along the Enoshima Electric Train Line, we can’t help but appreciate more what this place had to offer. So much so that I returned a few days later with a friend to catch the best sunset I’ve seen in my entire life.

Anyway, soon enough, we were back on the expressway, headed for the iconic Hakone Turnpike.

Hakone Turnpike

The idea of being assigned a minivan to drive on the Hakone Turnpike seems weird but I didn’t mind as I was relaxed in the comfort of the Serena anyway. The best part is despite its slightly weaker powertrain, the Serena e-POWER did well to carry all four of us. What amazed me is how planted it felt in the corners even as passengers.

We found ourselves with a quick stop at a parking lot where we decided to take some photos and for some lucky ones among us, spot some iconic JDM sports cars. With the smooth twisty asphalt roads and the soon-to-be orange tree leaves around us, it was a view straight from a postcard. 

After a few minutes, we made our way to the Taikanzan Observatory where we were supposed to see Mount Fuji. Unfortunately, upon arrival, it decided not to show up (I would see it clearly a few days later from Tokyo). We then decided to go on and head down to Lake Ashi for the sunset which was yet another amazing sight. Japan’s sunsets truly are something else.

Nissan Ariya e-4ORCE with ProPILOT 2.0

After our quick stopover in the serene Motohakone, I volunteered to leave my two other carmates and join part of the Nissan team in a Burgundy Nissan Ariya e-4ORCE, which gave me the chance to finally drive and make full use of my rather pricey International Driving Permit (IDP) which is a need by the way.

Anyway, with me now leading the convoy I obviously had to get things together which was an anxiety inducing thought as it was my very first time driving on the left side. Needless to say, I had success, made even better by the Nissan Ariya. Its size felt just right and the good ergonomics made me feel at ease while driving.

And as a drive, the more I got frustrated about how I wish the Philippines was like Japan. Proper road markings, signage, lighting, and more were everywhere. Drivers didn’t honk or flash their lights at you when you suddenly have to stop due to things beyond your control, and the road just felt peaceful overall.

My drive was also met with horrendous amounts of gridlock on the expressway. Unfortunate? Maybe. Enjoyed? Still yes thanks to Nissan’s ProPILOT 2.0 which basically allowed the car to drive itself for the most part. No, it’s still not a fully-autonomous setup, but it’s almost there.

Japan’s well behaved drivers also made it much easier to make use of the system as it did not have to watch out for “kamote” riders cutting you off left and right, nor would it have to get surprised by another car fighting its way into the small gap you left in front for a safe following distance. More or less an hour later, we arrived at our hotel in Yokohama to end the day.

ONE FOR THE BOOKS

This drive was certainly something else. As far as I, and who I asked know, no other brand has done such kind of activity yet, at least in Japan. The trio of Nissan models we drove surely proved themselves well and we really hope we get to see them on Philippine roads soon. 

Of course we asked the Nissan Philippines team what their plans are. We got an answer between which suffices I guess. It just means we’ll have to wait and see but at least we are certain that if they do decide to launch the Nissan X-Trail and Serena e-POWER, and the Nissan Ariya, they’ve surely got winners on their hands.

Our experience was certainly one for the books with a side of reflection. Here’s to hoping that one day, driving in the Philippines can be as peaceful and great as driving in Japan. Thank you, Nissan Philippines for this never to be forgotten experience.