Silly Concept Cars

There were plenty of beautiful cars and prototypes at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November, but there also was Toyota's i-Road, one of a handful of goofy cars that turned up at auto and trade shows around the world in 2014.

Along with the serious models and swoopy, elegant concepts, there also were vehicles designed by automakers to draw lots of attention by showing how wild or fanciful they can be. They let their designers' imaginations run wild without regard to practicality or real-world acceptance — such as a Renault with a built-in hangar for a flying drone that can be released to scout traffic ahead.

Here are some way-out concepts — and one production model — that made appearances at auto and consumer shows in the past year:

• Toyota i-Road. For the ultimate in personal transportation, Toyota showed off its i-Road at the L.A. show. The three-wheeler holds just one person and its small size makes it perfect for tight city streets, though it can't carry many grocery bags. Also, the entire vehicle cants, leaning into a turn. It's a concept, so don't look forward to seeing an i-Road soon on a real road.

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Honda N-Box Slash. Honda put this odd, boxy vehicle with an equally odd name on sale in Japan last week. It's perfect for Japan, putting a premium on inside space while having a tiny engine and wheels. Even though its looks aren't particularly American, it's being offered in designs meant to evoke America, such as a red-and-white "California Diner Style" or a music-themed "Tennessee Session Style." And it can be ordered with a killer sound system.

• Hyundai Intrado. Seen at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show, the Hyundai Intrado is a tiny bit strange, with weird flares around the wheels and lower body. The front end has vague styling cues from the redesigned 2015 Genesis. The funky three-door is meant to be a concept for a fuel-cell car and is named after the underside of a wing where an aircraft's lift is created.

• Renault KWID. How many cars can boast of being able to release their own video drone from a rooftop hangar? The KWID concept, developed by Nissan and seen as a concept at the Delhi Auto Expo in India, has what it calls the "flying companion." The idea is that when you're struck in traffic, you can send your drone ahead to scout for better routes. The KWID is a two-wheel-drive car styled to look like a four-wheel offroader. If that sounds strange, consider the "bird's nest" lattice work on the seats inside.

• Kia Niro. Kia brought its Niro concept to the Chicago Auto Show. It's an eye-catching little crossover riding on 20-inch wheels, is aimed at urban hipsters and has interesting upward opening doors.