Toyota’s idea for Brighton to London Future Car Challenge will turn it into a battleground where the nations of the United Kingdom, England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, will be competing against each other. But unlike the good old days, it won’t be a cool competition! No, they will compete in the battle of hybrids, so it’ll be one of the dullest races you’ll ever see.

And as you guessed, the winner is the team that achieves the lowest energy use – a combination of fuel economy and electric power consumption. Each nation will be represented by two two-person teams, driving identical Auris HSD models, the new full hybrid hatchback that’s built in Britain at Toyota’s Burnaston factory – each sporting a patriotic national flag livery.

Alongside the Auris HSD Nations Challenge cars, Toyota is entering three Prius, a new Prius Plug-in and a ninth Auris HSD decked out in the colours of the Union Flag to emphasise the car’s “built in Britain” quality.

More than just national pride is at stake – the winners will be presented with a trophy to mark their challenge success. The competition is being held within – but separate from – the Royal Automobile Club’s inaugural future car challenge, which showcases new engine technologies for cleaner, more fuel-efficient motoring. Taking place on 6 November, the day before the annual London to Brighton Veteran Car Run, the event will be contested by current and prototype hybrid, all-electric and hydrogen fuel vehicles, as well cars powered by ultra-efficient petrol and diesel engines.