Jurors expected a battle between the family-oriented Freed MPV and the aesthetically pleasing Mazda CX-80. When the final votes were counted, the Freed came out on top with 220 votes to the CX-80’s 196 votes.

Jurors noted that it’s often difficult to create an MPV with a distinctive character, and this is something Honda has achieved with the Freed. It was noted for its “refined and easy-to-use interior” as well as its “dynamic road manners.” The addition of the brand’s e:HEV hybrid system sealed the deal.

After receiving his trophy, the Honda Freed’s chief engineer Satoru Azumi commented, “When designing the Freed, we went back to basics and created a new standard for the family minivan that offers class-leading comfort, usability and packaging with the option of Honda’s unique hybrid system and a very reasonable price tag.”

In third place with 172 votes, BMW picked up its second straight Import Car of the Year trophy with the Mini Cooper.

Meanwhile, the Mitsubishi Triton was awarded with the Japan Car of the Year Design of the Year award with 11 votes to the BYD Seal sedan which received 10.

In addition, the Honda CR-V e:FCEV captured the Technology Award for its hydrogen-powered fuel cell development and the Japan COTY steering committee’s Special Award went to Mazda’s e-Skyactiv R-EV rotary technology.

Here’s how the Japan Car of the Year results went:

1. Honda Freed – 220 votes
2. Mazda CX-80 – 196 votes
3. Mini Cooper – 172 votes
4. Suzuki Fronx – 110 votes
5. Lexus LBX – 70 votes
6. Hyundai Ioniq 5 N – 52 votes
7. Toyota Land Cruiser Prado / 250 – 44 votes
8. BYD Seal – 32 votes
9. Volvo EX30 – 30 votes
10. Mitsubishi Triton – 18 votes