Suzuki's theme for the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show will be 'small cars for a big future' and will be centred on three vehicles of varying plausibility. The most likely of these to reach a Suzuki showroom is the Swift EV Hybrid, which uses an engine-driven generator much like the Vauxhall Ampera. Suzuki claims that the Swift EV Hybrid will be able to complete the typical Japanese commute of 50 - 80 kilometres per day in electric mode only, but will have the engine on hand to defeat range anxiety.
On the completely 'out there' end of the scale is the Q-concept, a Renault Twizy rivalling two-seat micro mobility machine that is positioned between a motorcycle and a car. At 2.5 metres long it would seem ideally suited for city dwellers, but the most interesting thing about the Q-Concept is the seating configuration. While the standard tandem seats are ideal for two adults to scoot in and around town, it can also be configured with a double child seat in the rear or as a (small) delivery vehicle with the rear seat removed.
Somewhere in between the two lies the Regina, a car the Suzuki says embodies its vision of a next-generation global compact car. The lightweight Regina has been designed to be as fuel efficient and clean as possible returning 90mpg (3.1 litres/100km) and emitting 70g/km from its small capacity petrol engine. We also rather like how it looks.
The 2011 Tokyo Motor Show takes place at the Tokyo Big Sight from December 3 - 11.