An international test cycle combining urban, rural and highway modes. It is considered close to real-world economy and is now the standard for Japanese catalog figures.
Japan's own test cycle used before WLTC. It tends to overstate real-world economy and is no longer used for new models' catalog figures.
Nissan's series-hybrid system. The engine only generates electricity and never drives the wheels; the car is driven by the motor alone, giving an EV-like feel.
A general term for powertrains combining an engine and a motor. Systems such as Toyota's THS, where both drive the wheels, are the mainstream.
Plug-in hybrid. A larger battery that can be charged externally allows short trips in EV mode and longer journeys as a hybrid.
Battery electric vehicle. It has no engine and runs on a battery and motor alone, emitting no CO2 while driving; charging infrastructure is key to adoption.
Four-wheel drive. AWD usually refers to electronically controlled systems for passenger cars that vary front/rear torque, while 4WD often refers to off-road systems with a transfer case.
Front engine, front-wheel drive. Makes it easier to maximize cabin space and is used in most compact cars and minivans.
Front engine, rear-wheel drive. Offers good weight balance and is favored by sports cars and luxury sedans for driving dynamics.
Continuously variable transmission. A belt and pulleys change the ratio seamlessly for smooth acceleration and good efficiency; widely used in Japanese cars.
Dual-clutch transmission. Two clutches enable very fast shifts, giving a quick, sporty feel.
The set of components that propel the vehicle — engine, motor, transmission and so on. Also used to refer to types such as ICE, HV, PHEV and EV.
The basic underlying architecture of a vehicle. Often shared across models, so cars on the same platform tend to have similar chassis characteristics.
Automatically follows the vehicle ahead while keeping a set distance, greatly reducing driving fatigue on highways.
Detects lane departure and assists steering. Function levels vary widely, from warning only to full lane centering.
Sensors detect vehicles in the rear blind spots and warn the driver, typically via a light in the door mirror; effective in preventing lane-change accidents.
Warns of vehicles approaching from the sides when reversing out of a parking space; especially useful where visibility is poor.
Nissan's ADAS brand. The higher-end ProPILOT 2.0 allows hands-off driving on supported highway sections.
Subaru's stereo-camera ADAS brand, an early adopter of recognizing objects and lanes ahead using cameras alone.
Honda's ADAS brand, combining millimeter-wave radar and a camera and fitted as standard on many models.
Toyota and Lexus's ADAS brand. Detection performance differs by generation; the latest can detect pedestrians at intersections.
A vehicle built and supplied for sale under another company's brand. In Japan's kei car market, several makers supply the same vehicle to each other.
MOP is a manufacturer (factory) option installed at the plant; DOP is a dealer option fitted by the dealer before delivery.
The trade-in or buy-back price when selling a car after a period of use. Popular models and low-volume models tend to fetch above-market prices.
V2H uses the vehicle's battery to power a home; V2L supplies power to external appliances through an outlet.
A fast-charging standard developed in Japan and widely used in domestic infrastructure, though global standards are gaining ground.
The Combined Charging System, the dominant fast-charging standard in Europe and North America, integrating normal and fast-charging connectors.
The distance between the front and rear axles. Longer improves cabin space and straight-line stability; shorter improves maneuverability.
The radius of the circle the car traces at full steering lock. Smaller numbers make narrow roads and parking easier.
Curb weight is the car with a full tank and no occupants; gross vehicle weight adds the seating capacity (55kg per person) and maximum payload.