JAPANESE manufacturers have been showcasing some cute-looking urban motoring concepts at their home show, Tokyo, and the recurring theme is one of small packages being the next big thing.

Toyota, for instance, is not only highlighting ground-breaking technologies in its concepts line-up, but redefining how we see environmentally-friendly city cars.

Toyota says its Tokyo Motor Show stand is presenting entirely new proposals for the automobile, with the focus on ultra-efficient vehicle packaging.

Ecologically-sustainable motoring might be quite a mouthful as phrases go, but the drive is now well and truly on to make it a reality - in fun, pleasant-to-use cars that can help us exist more in harmony with the environment.

Toyota's concept showcase includes the 1/X (pronounced "one-Xth"), a vehicle that has both the look and dimensions of a Prius, but weighs only "1/Xth" that of other vehicles in its class.

The 1/X power source is a plug-in hybrid unit, with a displacement of only 500cc and batteries that allow longer electric-motor cruising distance to emit less carbon dioxide.

One of Toyota's quirky lookers is the RiN concept, which puts the focus on the occupants' increased comfort, and encourages occupants to - in the firm's own words - "re-evaluate themselves and turn their attention to society and nature, producing a healthy rhythm for both mind and body".

The RiN's seats help maintain good back posture, and image displays that "aligned with the driver's psychological state" that are set within the instrument cluster of the "mood-training" steering control. One drive of the RiN, and you may never again suffer road rage.

This concept also has an oxygen-level conditioner and pinpoint humidifier, uses green glass that reduces infiltration of ultraviolet and infrared light, and makes the surroundings seem brighter and clearer.

Another Toyota concept that draws a lot of attention to itself is the Hi-CT - it's an edgy, urban vehicle aimed at younger lifestyles and thinking.

Again, it uses plug-in hybrid technology, and the bold, vibrant exterior together with the Toyota reputation for reliability would see Hi-CTs sell by the thousand if ever they hit Britain's crowded cities.

Suzuki took the opportunity at Tokyo to show off its new people-centred vehicle concept called Sustainable Mobility, in the form of a one-person low-speed carrier called the PIXY, which can be housed in pairs inside a small mobility unit called the SSC.

The firm says - work this one out - "the PIXY and SSC together deliver personal, share-able urban transportation which is aimed at realising the world's most people-centred motorised society".

Well, yes: but, essentially, the one-seater PIXY is designed to move at low speeds on footpaths and inside buildings, and can be put, in twos, inside the SSC mini-car to form an automobile.

Perhaps of more immediate interest from Suzuki is the Palette, a four-seater very upright city car.

Aimed at young parents, it has appealing styling, not too far removed from Suzuki's Wagon R, and comes with left and right-hand powered sliding doors and a low, flat floor for diverse load permutations.

Given its more conventional look, the Palette is one Suzuki concept that you will probably see on British roads sooner, rather than later.