Honda "marshmallow" concept

The Japanese manufacturer will debut its PUYO gel-body, fuel-cell project car at the Tokyo Motor Show later this month.

It features a gel body made of soft materials with a silky touch and no corners, which should optimise pedestrian safety.

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Lights beneath the body shine through the gel to highlight doors and other manual functions, and notify users of the vehicle's condition.

The four-seater concept has a small frame and is powered by hydrogen fuel cell technology, in other words by electric motors.

Features include an instrument panel monitor, elastic-like controls made from cloth that rise up when the vehicle starts and luminous fluid level displays.

Honda will also debut its next generation Jazz.

Called the Fit in the US and Japan, the new model will form the basis for the Jazz, which will be launched late next year.

Honda will also show its CR-Z light-weight, two-seater sportscar concept equipped with Honda's petrol-electric hybrid IMA powertrain.

The front of the car sits low, and is dominated by an imposing, large bumper with gaping air intakes.

Meanwhile, the smooth lines across the glass roof and rear of the car minimise drag.

Tube-shaped combination lamps at the rear improve rearward visibility and other design details include stylish, high-visibility wing mirrors, LED headlights, fin-shaped sidelights and large 19-inch wheels to enhance the sporting appearance.

The CR-Zs hi-tech interior features a blue, neon-like finish across the main dash and centre console and mesh material on a simple framework is used throughout. CR-Z stands for Compact Renaissance-Zero.