07 Dec 06 17:49
Honda is showing two concept cars in Los Angeles, both intended to attract the attention of young buyers.
The Remix is a small sports coupe, perhaps hinting at the long-rumoured 'CRX' or new-age Civic-based two-door. Its designers have clearly been studying a certain Saab concept car, as the Remix features an aircraft-style wraparound canopy in place of a conventional windscreen, for 'a fighter jet-feel' - and painted in white, it even looks like a little Aero-X.
It's designed more as an affordable, everyday runaround, however, than an exotic sports car. American Honda's John Mendel says that it 'focuses on a simple, lightweight and fun to drive philosophy. The concept balances sports car virtues with real-world practicality.'
Built at Honda's US design studio in southern California, the Remix is based on a front-wheel drive platform and features a four-cylinder petrol engine and six-speed manual gearbox: although Honda doesn't specify details, this is probably all Civic-sourced. The aircraft canopy might not make production, but a more conventional two-door with similar styling looks entirely feasible.
Honda's other concept in LA, the Step Bus, is in the vein of the popular (Toyota) Scion xB or Nissan Cube. A boxy mini-MPV-cum-van or 'urban utility', it has sliding doors and an ultra-roomy interior considering its compact exterior dimensions. Developed and built in Japan, it can seat five as well as carry large amounts of cargo - 'band equipment, sports gear and other bulky items', suggests Honda - and features ceiling-mounted storage trays and door-mounted tracks on which to mount phones, cup holders and other useful items, as well as advanced audio and sat nav systems.
