Nissan Pivo concept

In the mid 1980s, strategists researching trends for Nissan presented the egg as a suitable metaphor for the development of the Micra. Nissan declined to advance this, Renault picking it up instead for the Clio. Twenty years on, Nissan responds literally with the ovoid Pivo to satisfy statistics pointing to a 50% rise in car ownership by 2030, while people become ever more metropolitan.

The Nissan Pivo is an electric car measuring just 2700mm long, with a cabin for three: a central seat flanked by one on either side, à la McLaren F1. However it is the vessel for the layout that demands most attention – this robotic egg can rotate 360 degrees upon its pillow, eliminating the need to reverse. Software has also been developed to support the swivelling hardware: the City Browsing application provides information on the surrounding cityscape while 'Around View' disposes with blindspots.

Suzuki PX concept

The PX concept will be the highlight of the Suzuki stand in Tokyo. Resembling a steroidal military minivan, the PX dwarfs its 20” rims with a 3 metre wheelbase holding three doors on either side. Despite this core dimension, clever packaging keeps the overall length down to 4.42m. The front is imposing, with a high centre line and watchful eyes. At the back, the lights carry the line of the segregated side glass, clamped into place by the weighty pillars. Housing a spacious interior with three pairs of seats trimmed in soft powder blue, the Suzuki PX relates to vintage Airstream trailers both visually and conceptually.

Subaru B5-TPH concept

Subaru will unveil the snappily named B5-TPH concept at the Tokyo Motor Show. Designed for 'couples travelling on weekend breaks', the car combines SUV, coupé and shooting brake, while the engine mixes petrol with electric energy. The cross-pollination suitably reflects Subaru's core message: 'Think.Feel.Drive. Creating new value through the crossover concept.' The B5-TPH has similar proportions to the SAAB 9-X, though the front and rear views do not seem as harmonious: the rear shrouds the lights in cladding, while the headlamps are more conservatively aligned with the blue grille and fender. The Subaru B5-TPH marks an interesting new direction for the company as it balances rally pedigree with the suburban tastes of typical customers.

Mitsubishi Concept-X

The Mitsubishi Concept-X at the Tokyo Motor Show is the sequel to the Concept-Sportback shown in Frankfurt last month. Drawing on that prior concept, the new proportions add another box at the rear to balance the dominant down-road-graphic, and previews a future high performance Mitsubishi to replace the aging Lancer Evolutions. With the extra length, the car is less nose-heavy while the kink in the C-Pillar gives the glasshouse greater substance as well.

Though tuning division Ralliart appears to have got their spanners on it (the hood has already grown another vent), the car seems production ready with strong themes that have been well resolved.

Mitsubishi Outlander

As another one of their numerous models on display, Mitsubishi Motors will unveil the new Outlander SUV, which will be available from October 17. It claims to achieve 'an exquisite marriage between sporty lines unprecedented on an SUV and outstanding versatility and utility', though it could be argued that the Nissan Murano has already done this. The otherwise formulaic design is relieved by the strong D-pillar and headlamps that share their theme with the Concept-X. Unfortunately, the styling of the Outlander lacks the same sense of conviction.

Mitsubishi Concept-D:5

Completing the Mitsubishi trilogy in Tokyo is the unusual Concept-D:5, based on the same four-wheel-drive system as the Outlander. The Concept-D:5 is designed to embody Mitsubishi's 'utmost safety' ideals in a model that seems a cross between a Toyota Space Cruiser and the 1997 Volkswagen Noah. Clearly articulated lines complement the clean surfaces, the weight of which is relieved by the constant depth implied by the shallow encircling shutline. Inside, the airy interior seats six, the generous DLO more greenhouse than glasshouse. The whole car perches pronouncedly on its wheels, with minimal overhangs and strong graphic contrast that give the Concept-D:5 a personality that is more product than vehicular.

Chrysler Akino concept

The Tokyo Motor Show will see DaimlerChrysler's latest concept: the Chrysler Akino. Created in California at DaimlerChrysler's Advanced Studio, the work is of female designer Akino Tsuchiya who is responsible for both interior and exterior- and consequently the name too. The car is an abrupt change from recent Chrysler models, and shows a company aware of the environmental and social repercussions of their products - and of the market it will be exhibited in.

This one-box five-seater pushes the base of windscreen right to the front and the wheels to each corner, maximising space inside for the bamboo flooring, throw rugs, mood lighting and pillows. The exterior features two-tone glass to define an arch theme in the DLO and a unique double plane that defines the roof. The glass is also textured towards the rear for greater privacy. With so many new ideas, the conservative face seems out of place on a car that is more Akino than it is Chrysler.

Following the Continental GT and Continental Flying Spur, Bentley has released pictures of the Continental GTC, the open version of the coupe launched two years ago that will complete the Continental series. Despite all three being designed at the same time, the staggered schedule means buyers will have to wait until late 2006 before receiving one. The Continental GTC shares the coupé's W12 engine and styling themes, and will be the second open car Bentley will launch next year: the Arnage-based Azure available next Spring satisfies those wanting more space and sophistication, as the flagship to the Bentley fleet.