Daihatsu, a company made famous for producing compact cars, has developed a micro car prototype. The e:S concept is a tiny city car that measures just 3.1 metres long and weighs only 700kg.
And it could give the Toyota iQ a run for its money.
Set to make its public debut at the 2009 Tokyo motor show, the diminutive Japanese runabout can seat four adults, thanks in large part to the use of super-slim seats.
The superlight micro car is powered by a petrol engine featuring a fuel-saving stop-start system, and though the e:S is being described internally as a design study, it lacks much of the sparkle of most 'show cars'.
The interior in particular features dash plastics, vents and a centre console that could have been used on any number of its current production cars.
Stay tuned for an official announcement on the e:S concept from the 2009 Tokyo motor show.
Another Daihatsu concept destined for the Tokyo show is the cunningly named Basket.
With more than a subtle resemblance to classic beachcombers such as the MINI Moke, the Basket is a compact semi-open top cruiser with what appears to be a manual column shift transmission.
It features a simple interior, a removable targa top over the front seats and a detachable cloth roof for the rear section.
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at www.carsales.mobi