The compact-sized Vezel offers four-wheel drive and in Japan will come in petrol and hybrid models, although the 1.6-litre diesel is likely to feature in European specification.

Combining the stance and driving position of an SUV but the design features of a coupe, the Vezel aims to compete with the increasing number of crossover vehicles that are winning sales from conventional hatchbacks.

Elsewhere on the Honda stand was the S660, a two-seater roadster designed specifically for the Japanese micro car ‘kei’ class.

Powered by a 660cc turbocharged engine the S660 evokes some of the styling details from the forthcoming NSX supercar, also appearing at the show, and is likely to be very popular in its home market.

The strict Japanese micro car regulations means it is unlikely that the S660 would reach the UK in its current form, but Honda’s new 1.0-litre three cylinder turbocharged unit that will appear in the next Jazz could also be used. With a more powerful engine and a slightly higher price tag it could be a sales hit across Europe and worth the effort of re-engineering for European regulations.

Honda also took the opportunity to showcase the NSX supercar, scheduled to go on sale in 2014 with the north America being the first market to receive them.

The NSX is powered by Honda’s triple motor hybrid system alongside a turbocharged V6 petrol engine to give four-wheel drive, exceptional performance and respectable fuel consumption. It is also likely to use one of Honda’s latest dual-clutch transmissions.