Suzuki unveiled a raft of kooky concepts at the Tokyo Motor Show as part of its 2013 theme 'Let's Create a Brand New Story' - and the most eye-catching was this futuristic all-wheel drive vehicle, the X-Lander concept.
Exterior
It's kind of hard to look at this Suzuki SUV and not think of the old 'Tonka toy' cliché, but there it is. Massive wheels, bulbous arches and an impractical open-top cabin do make it look slightly unreal and toy-like. Also, the rear lights have more than a hint of current Range Rover about them.
As rugged as this X-Lander looks, it's actually based on nothing more rough and tumble than a Suzuki Jimny. Suzuki claims this will go into production one day, but whether it previews the look of the next Jimny or will go on to become a standalone model in its own right, we reckon there will be significant changes to the concept before it hits the showrooms.
Interior
The interior is a 22nd-century delight, with a huge TFT screen behind the cool steering wheel, and mad angles and creases everywhere, plus just two seats and a flatbed area at the back. As with the exterior, though, various legislation and market practicalities mean it's highly unlikely any production version will end up with this creation.
Mechanicals
This is the interesting bit. It shares a 1.3-litre petrol engine with the Jimny, but also packs a lightweight hybrid set-up, said to be a "highly-efficient motor built onto a 4WD system". Suzuki claims this gives the X-Lander both economy and "excellent running performance". There's no details on the power this electric motor puts out, though.
Anything else?
Suzuki says the X-Lander is for drivers who use the car in the city but sometimes "go out to play in the field". We guess any self-respecting green-laner will wait to see what the production version looks like before signing on the dotted line.