The Nissan Land Glider is the latest in a recent flurry of tandem-style concept cars that propose a one-plus-one seating arrangement - think Renault Twizy and VW L1 - where a single passenger sits behind the driver in a narrow-bodied and low-slung vehicle.

Despite the compact four-wheeler's futuristic look - a world away from current conventional car packaging - Nissan design boss Shiro Nakamura is taking the concept idea very seriously, as he told Car Design News: "It's not just 'okay we made a nice show car now forget about it.' We've made some studies already on how to bring it to production."

The working prototype is only 3100mm long, 1100mm wide and 1415mm tall and is able to lean through corners like a motorbike up to an angle of 17 degrees, all controlled from a U-shaped video game-style drive-by-wire steering device. Complex tilting body panels move independently of the wheel arches to angle the cabin for better stability during cornering, which when in motion, give the car a strangely pleasing hermit crab-like gait and appearance.

Nakamura sees the model as an upmarket sporty and fun second car for urban environments rather than cheap everyman go-anywhere transport. Power comes from two electric motors in the rear tapping into lithium-ion batteries mounted beneath the floor to ensure zero-emission motoring and recharging is designed to be made wirelessly at induction plate refueling spots.

Exterior design inspiration came from Nissan's top-end GT-R sportscar as Nakamura continues: "It's totally different but some inspiration comes from there, it's a little bit robot-like, like the GT-R."

Right now there are no plans for production, but Nakamura says the technology is highly feasible and could be made reality in "a couple of years" if the green light was given.

Created in Subaru's advanced design studio in Mitaka, this hybrid concept plays heavily on its Grand Touring aspirations and less on its eco credentials.

With 21-inch wheels, a wide low body and a squat stance, the concept gives the impression of a powerful driver-oriented machine, in keeping with the company history and philosophy. Shown on CDN as a computer rendering, this concept works well on the show stand.

The Hybrid Tourer's rich, well-executed surfaces demonstrate a new level of refinement for Subaru, and many details move the brand forward.  The DRG in particular is the strongest of recent Subaru designs and exudes a high level of confidence, although the inner headlight design lacks a unique identity. The large trapezoidal grill and wing style lower air intakes give the impression of being aero inspired and Subaru, like SAAB has this history to utilize to its advantage.

The large gull-wing doors are pure show-car, benefitting a clear view to the interior, which is one of the car's highlights. The impression is of a sophisticated and very well-executed business jet. The rear passengers have access to a myriad of entertainment options on their personal screens, and the sense of space and light is well considered. The light materials and constructed forms assist this functional ambience.

The technical sophistication of the interior is aided by the graphical use of green lighting and digital interfacing, with most controls being touch sensitive. This moves the impression away from a mechanical machine towards a more advanced electronic image.

This design demonstrates that hybrid technology can co-exist with the generally accepted positive attributes of car design.

The EV -N is a sub three-meter fully electric four-seat city car intended as part of a future Zero Emission system incorporating the U3-X personal mobility device, EV Cub and EV Monpal.

Designed in Honda's Waco studio, female designer Kanna Sumiyoshi's intention was to offer an approachable and non-intimidating appearance. Much of Honda's design is based around driving dynamics, but this concept is meant to be far more human friendly.

For inspiration, the design team took a 360 degree approach, looking at their back catalogue. The simplistic two-box exterior is consequently reminiscent of the Honda N360 (from 40 years ago) and brings little that is innovative in surface treatment or proportion. The relatively flat plan shape, subtle wheelhouse treatment and 13-inch wheel size give the impression of a gentle, faintly nostalgic design, however it is not without charm.

The main area for interest lies with the large round headlight detailing and interactive grill, which can communicate with flashing lights and messages. This system offers the users an opportunity to interact by sending messages via a communication device or mobile phone, however the level of interaction is demonstrated more thoroughly in the technology than the design.

The interior revolves around the concept of simplification. Unnecessary detailing has been removed and all of the main HVAC and infotainment controls have become digital. The impression is calm and uncluttered, especially in the use of the digital graphics, and although the concept has been created to be affordable the impression is sophisticated and intelligent. A strong feature of the interior are the door panels designed for carrying two Honda U3-X personal mobility devices, allowing these to be recharged whilst driving. The strong graphical element of the U3-X adds an interesting contrast to the general simplicity.