The annual Tokyo Motor Show provides one of the best insights into the latest advances in automotive thinking. Famous for the clutch of concept cars exhibited each year, the Japanese designers go head-to-head to produce the most outlandish and fascinating machines. While Nissan, Toyota and Honda may be names synonymous with radical concept car design, those at Suzuki are not far behind, with an exciting array of concept machines at this year's Tokyo show.

The stirring new Swift aside, the majority of Suzuki's current model range is unpretentious, with the Alto, Wagon R and Grand Vitara struggling to compete alongside newer rivals (though the latter was replaced at the Frankfurt Motor Show). However, Suzuki sales in the United Kingdom are on the rise, increasing by nearly 4,000 between 2001 and 2004, to a current sales figure in excess of 33,000 per annum, ranking ahead of the likes of Kia and SEAT, and surprisingly, even Mitsubishi and Saab.

First up is the PX minivan: a futuristic MPV designed for the luxury end of the market. Its menacing appearance hides a practical eight-seat layout, although its design hints at tempting the younger MPV buyer.

The LC is next, representing a styling experiment with the premise of providing cute styling; its design is certainly different to the current sporty/aggressive market trends, perhaps drawing on aspects of the original Mini and the Austin/Nash Metropolitan of the 1950s in its curves.

The MR Wagon, or to give its bizarre full title - "Mom's Personal Wagon" is aimed directly at female motorists with young children. Although similar in appearance to a conventional supermini, the MR Wagon features a front grille designed in the shape of a smiling face. Designed for a hassle-free school run, the interior features a variety of gadgets, including a folding passenger seat to aid access to the rear. This concept provides a number of features no doubt craved by stressed parents, although the 'welcoming brown and beige colour scheme' of the interior sounds less appealing. We'll see for ourselves at the show.

Perhaps the most interesting concept on Suzuki's stand will be the Ionis fuel-cell car, featuring the latest in planet-saving technology. Its bizarre appearance is designed to convey "an image of water through its generously proportioned curves", although I am far from convinced. The Ionis also features the latest in-car entertainment system featuring wireless Internet access and satellite television.

Andrew Frampton - 10 Oct 2005