#Japan #Tokyo #Volkswagen #ID. Buzz #Japan Car of the Year

Volkswagen ID. Buzz Achieves Greatness at Japan Car Awards

Volkswagen Japan has proudly announced that its all-electric minivan, the ID. Buzz, has received prestigious accolades at the 2025-2026 Japan Car of the Year awards. This year, the model clinched not only a spot among the top 10 finalists, known as the '10 Best Cars,' but also won two significant awards—the 'Import Car of the Year' and the 'Design Car of the Year.'

A Blend of Heritage and Modernity

The ID. Buzz, affectionately known as the 'VW Bus,' is a modern reinterpretation of the classic Volkswagen Type 2. Its design is deeply rooted in the brand's heritage, ensuring it resonates with both nostalgic fans and new customers. The minivan embodies a sense of sustainability and innovation, making it a distinguished icon for the next generation of transportation.

Iconic Design Reflecting Classic Values

The front face of the ID. Buzz is instantly recognizable. Sporting a large VW logo and a modern take on the classic sliding windows, this vehicle successfully pays homage to the beloved 'Wagenbus' design. LED headlights framed by a bold, V-shaped panel further enhance its striking appearance, showcasing a character that remains timeless and appealing to all ages.

Spacious Interior for Maximum Comfort

The ID. Buzz stands out as the only electric minivan available in Japan that comfortably accommodates multiple passengers. It comes in two configurations: a 6-passenger version featuring a 2-2-2 seating layout and a 7-passenger variant with a spacious 2-3-2 arrangement, enhanced by an extended wheelbase. The interior is designed with a lounge-like atmosphere, maximizing passenger comfort and ease of movement. With a cargo capacity of up to 2,469 liters in the long-wheelbase variant and versatile seating arrangements, it caters to various needs, whether transporting people or cargo.

Outstanding Performance and Aerodynamics

Under the hood, the ID. Buzz is powered by a rear-wheel-drive electric motor producing 210 kW (286 hp) and a remarkable torque of 560 Nm. Its design, based on Volkswagen's Modular Electric Drive Matrix (MEB), incorporates a low center of gravity and excellent weight distribution by embedding the battery within the floor. This engineering mastery also supports impressive aerodynamics, achieving a drag coefficient (Cd) of just 0.285 for the European model ranking.

Reasons Behind the Accolades

2025-2026 Import Car of the Year

The award was received due to the ID. Buzz's unique market position as the only full-size battery electric vehicle (BEV) minivan in Japan, showcasing an extraordinarily high level of refinement. Its innovative use of space has opened up a new category within the BEV segment, providing ample room for passengers while honoring the beloved charm of the Type 2's exterior.

2025-2026 Design Car of the Year

The ID. Buzz’s exterior design effectively captures the heritage of the Type 2 while presenting a modern interpretation that exudes individuality. In an era often dominated by sterile, technology-first designs, the ID. Buzz reaffirms the emotional value that vehicles can embody, offering a refreshing perspective in car design.

For further details, visit the official Japan Car of the Year website: Japan Car of the Year