Nissan wins big at JAHFA 2026–2027 awards: Elgrand named Car of the Year and GT-R BNR32 honoured

Nissan emerged as the big winner at the Japan Automotive Hall of Fame (JAHFA) 2026–2027 awards, taking home three honours across its latest models and its performance-car heritage.

The new-generation Nissan Elgrand was named Car of the Year, while the all-electric Nissan LEAF won the Car Design of the Year award. The legendary Skyline GT-R (BNR32), meanwhile, was inducted into the Historic Car category.

Nissan Elgrand – A new benchmark

Launched in Japan in July this year, the new-generation Elgrand stood out in the highly competitive premium MPV segment. Its award reflects the work Nissan has put into refining the model's core technologies.

The Elgrand is powered by Nissan's third-generation e-POWER hybrid system, paired with an upgraded e-4ORCE electric all-wheel-drive system and Intelligent Dynamic Suspension. The combination is designed to deliver a comfortable ride on longer journeys without sacrificing driving enjoyment.

The model has also made a strong start in the market, with cumulative orders exceeding 10,000 units since its launch.

This is Nissan's fourth Car of the Year win, following the Sakura in 2022–2023, Note Aura in 2021–2022 and LEAF in 2011–2012.

Nissan LEAF – Digital-inspired design

The third-generation Nissan LEAF was recognised for its design, winning the JAHFA Car Design of the Year award.

Its styling blends traditional Japanese aesthetics with a more contemporary, digital-inspired approach. Careful aerodynamic development also gives the electric car a sleek profile and low drag.

Nissan has continued to broaden the LEAF range to appeal to a wider range of buyers. In January this year, it added the B5 variant with a 55kWh battery, offering a more accessible entry point while retaining the range needed for everyday driving and weekend trips. The LEAF NISMO followed in July, bringing motorsport styling and character to the line-up.

This is the second time the LEAF has received the JAHFA Car Design of the Year award, following the first-generation model's win in 2011–2012.

Skyline GT-R (BNR32) – A lasting motorsport legacy

The inclusion of the Nissan Skyline GT-R (BNR32) in the JAHFA Historic Car category will be particularly meaningful to enthusiasts. First launched in 1989, the BNR32 marked Nissan's return to the forefront of international performance motoring.

It was powered by the 2.6-litre twin-turbocharged engine, developed to meet the regulations of the FIA's touring car competitions at the time. It was also equipped with the groundbreaking ATTESA E-TS electronically controlled all-wheel-drive system.

The BNR32 made its mark on the track, winning 29 consecutive races in the Japan Touring Car Championship (JTC) and claiming victories in several international competitions. More than three decades on, its motorsport achievements remain a defining part of the GT-R's legacy.

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