Honda are again proving that in order for a car to be environmentally friendly it must also be ugly and/or weird looking. Honda are showcasing two new environmentally friendly concepts at the 40th Tokyo Motor Show.

The first concept, rivals the Nissan Pivo 2 for the prestigious title of "Ugliest Car I've Seen Recently". The Honda PUYO is a fuel cell vehicle which Honda suggest was designed based on "out-of-box thinking". I'd argue that the PUYO was designed to LOOK like a box!

The Honda designers attempted to create the PUYO as a cornerless "Seamless Soft Box" design. Apparently they were trying to draw comparisons with "an adorable pet". The PUYO features a gel body (made from soft materials), which is an interesting choice.

I'm not sure what the designers were on, but I have to be honest, the PUYO is not a good looking car! Fortunately the CR-Z follows somewhat more traditional design cues. The CR-Z is branded as a next-generation lightweight sports car, that comes equipped with Honda's original petrol-electric hybrid system that balances clean performance and a high level of torque.

So, what does the CR-Z stand for? 'Compact Renaissance Zero'. The CR-Z is designed for a futuristic and dynamic look. The large 19 inch wheels give it a sportier look, as do the fins on the body.

Compared to the other environmentally friendly concepts kicking around at the moment, I think you'd probably agree when I say that the CR-Z is a step in the right direction.

Here is what Auto Express had to say on the Honda Civic Type R:

“So what made it a winner? Well, despite being down on power compared to its big-hitting rivals – its 2.0-litre VTEC-assisted engine produces 198bhp (148kW) – it’s the way in which the Civic deploys it that impresses. Finesse has always been a Honda trait and once again, the Type R displays a level of delicacy that none of its rivals can match. The Civic is a car that shrinks around you, and like all great hot hatches, responds directly and faithfully to every input. Yes, there are quicker alternatives with more power and better acceleration figures. But in terms of real-world appeal and, more importantly, driver feedback, the Type R stands head and shoulders above its rivals.

“The Civic also scores in the design stakes, too – it could almost be described as automotive sculpture. A worthy winner of this year’s title.”

Clearly Auto Express are a big rap for the Civic Type R. Honda Australia imports 1200 Civic Type Rs a year from Honda UK’s manufacturing plant in Swindon (does that name remind you of "The Office"). In Australia the Civic Type R retails from around $39,900 AUD.