The worldwide recession took its toll on the Tokyo Motor Show -- arguably the most varied and creative auto show on the globe -- but despite the economic downturn, it still offered some zany vehicles again this year.

For example, if you are looking for a special car with which to head to your family vegetable plot, Daihatsu has a vehicle concept for you. One of the true hits of the show, the Basket is a convertible pickup that crams many good ideas into a small package. Not only does a removable hardtop cover the front seats and a canvas top cover the rear seats, but those rear seats also fold down to create a longer pickup-truck bed. Speaking of seats, they -- along with the dashboard and the door panels -- are covered in a linen-like material, and the simple speedometer and retro-style radio appear to be simply placed on the dashboard rather than installed in it.

The Basket is based on the Daihatsu Mira chassis, and it's powered by a three-cylinder 660 cubic centimeter engine. Just so you don't get stuck in your garden plot, it is also equipped with all-wheel-drive.

While the Daihatsu Basket is small, it is positively gargantuan compared with a vehicle Honda showed off in its booth. The U3-X is about as tall as an oversized tennis racket, and it was designed to facilitate indoor mobility. Say, if walking down the hall to the restroom is too strenuous for you, then perch on the U3-X's foldout seat and, though it has but one big wheel, it will do the balancing for you. If you want to go forward, lean forward; if you want to go back, lean back. Its ingenious Honda Omni Traction Drive System will even let you move diagonally.

The U3-X's lithium battery powers it for about 60 minutes at a maximum speed of 4 mph.

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