Toyota just launched a new hybrid luxury sedan in Japan. The name of the car is, wait for it, wait for it... 'Sai'.

I am not making this up.

What does it run on - solid fuel?

The Toyota Sai is to be sold in Japan as a domestic model, it seems. Which is a good thing, of course, because in the Chinese market, or where the Hokkien dialect is spoken, this word 'sai' means something less than flattering.

For my international readers, the word 'sai' means 'feces' or 'shit'.

I read in online motoring websites that sai is actually a Japanese word that can be translated as sophisticated and joyful. I do feel quite joyful, relieved even, after a session in the loo. Not sure if I feel very sophisticated though.

Yet other motoring websites claim that sai means 'talent' and 'colour'.

Which is it? I wish they would make up their minds.

Speaking of colour, I can predict what the popular colours will be for the Toyota Sai In Singapore. I think Champagne Gold Sai will be popular but Super White Sai and Buffalo Brown Sai will be exciting choices too. But in post-NKF-saga Singapore, you may not want to be seen driving a gold Sai.