Honda’s designers have created a new look for the Urban EV Concept by taking cues from classic European hatchbacks and Japanese hatchbacks.
The Honda Urban EV Concept is one the Motor1 teams’ favorite vehicle at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show. Honda was able to appeal to our diverse team by combining a retro-futuristic exterior with a modern cabin and an efficient electric motortrain. Its vintage look was liked by many and they offered suggestions on past cars that may have inspired it. Let’s compare these two models and see what happens.
Javea and natrat commented that the Urban EV Concept looked like an early Volkswagen Golf. They certainly have a point. Honda’s design team seems to have taken a lot of inspiration from small hatchbacks from Japan and Europe in the 1970s and early 1980s. These similarities are evident in the three quarters view, where you can see the thin A-pillar and the thick C-pillar. Given their overall proportions, both models have short overhangs and a longer hood.It is also an excellent comparison to the first-gen VW Pollo, which has smaller proportions. Although the Volkswagen has a higher rear hatch, Honda’s designers have taken inspiration from the overall aesthetic of the era to create the Urban EV Concept.
Wojtek Korczowski and Javea also noted the Honda’s similarities to the Peugeot205. The similarities are more in the general proportions of the two models than the actual styling cues. The Urban EV is more upright than the vaguely slender Peugeot. They share the same narrow A-pillar design and chunky Cpillar.Wojtek Korczowski (34613), BojanB (127) commented on the Urban EV’s general resemblance to the Fiat 126, and 127. The Honda retains the upright and chunky appearance of the 126, but the thicker Cpillar, like the 127, appears at the rear.
The Urban EV is inspired by European hatchbacks, but Honda’s classic models are also included in the design. These similarities are highlighted by Natrat, BojanB (that’s me), and BojanB (that’s you) in their comments. Urban EV blends elements from both the N600 (above), and the first-gen civic (below). The N600 N600-style N600 fender and high-mounted circular lights are straight from it. The slightly curved rake at rear of roof is an homage to the original Civic.
Honda had previously considered the possibility of a retro-styled electric vehicle (EV) in 2009. The exterior design of the Urban EV clearly reflects this model’s design.Honda’s designers took inspiration from many other vehicles. Seyth Miersma, Motor1 Executive editor, demonstrates that the designers took inspiration from the Tamagotchi digital pets of the 1990s when designing the bumper messages.
Honda has gone inside and discarded the retro exterior aesthetic in favor of a completely modern interior. This includes a digital screen that covers almost the entire dashboard. There are some interesting common ideas. The BMW i3 is a great example of a modern way to use a wood-covered dashboard.Honda announced plans to bring the Urban EV production model to Europe in 2019, but didn’t reveal any other details. We will be closely monitoring its progress.