Already a proven mega-seller, the RunX 160RX, with its funky name and racy looks, has its sights set on this year’s Car of the Year title. Following on its successful Conquest/ Tazz range with a car as sound and tough as its forebears will certainly see Toyota keeping its sales-nose in front of the competition.

From the world’s biggest engine manufacturers — 15,5-million units annually — comes the Honda Jazz, a potent little 1,4-litre super-minivan/ hatch that, together with big brother Accord, has to carry the flag for an importer that has never won Car of the Year.