Toyota's tribute to Kermit?

It ain't pretty -- there's clear parallels with Kermit the frog -- but this green chariot will be one of the centrepieces of Toyota's stand at the Geneva motor show when it opens on Feb 28...

Dubbed the Urban Cruiser, it was penned by Toyota's European design studio, known as ED2, and is said to provide clues to a "futuristic mini SUV".

Toyota has, for now, released only a teaser shot of the exterior, but it says the  vehicle's cabin was inspired by contemporary high-end furniture.

Exactly where the eventual production model will fit into Toyota's line-up is unclear, but perhaps it could slot in between the recently unveiled Rush baby SUV (aka Daihatsu Be-Go) and just-revised RAV4.

Although the carmaker hasn't released any technical details about the Urban Cruiser, we’re guessing the vehicle will be powered by a hybrid drivetrain, given its 'green' orientation.

What is evident is from the image is the Urban Cruiser's seemingly generous levels of ground clearance and wide stance, made possible by heavily flared guards. Also check out the trick-looking LED headlights.

Toyota will also use the Geneva show to pull the wraps off a stove-hot version of the new Yaris. Known as the T Sport, the fettled hatchback scores bespoke bumpers, grille, alloy wheels and modified suspension.

However, the big news is the shoehorning of a 100kW 1.8-litre engine in lieu of the existing range-topper's 80kW 1.5-litre unit. It's believed the hot-hatch is being considered for Australia and, provided it gets the green light, the go-faster Yaris is likely to wear Sportivo badges.