Honda Urban EV Concept: Classic look, future tech, we want one

This year’s Frankfurt Motor Show had some insane reveals and showcases, hypercars and autonomous EVs. Amongst them, Honda had a little gem at the IAA, a retro hot hatch – the Urban EV Concept.

This electric car concept from Honda is expected to be introduced in production form in 2019. The Urban EV Concept is based on an all-new platform and is shorter than a Jazz while its stance is waaaaay better. The design is unexpectedly and pleasingly simple with short overhangs and thin pillars for maximum visibility. Though as you can tell, it doesn’t have any rear-view wing mirrors, so cameras are expected.

On the showcar, the doors are rear-hinged like a Rolls-Royce and are likely not to make it to production. There will, however, be the blue backlit Honda badge which will be the first telltale sign of a Honda EV from now on. There are no details on the powertrain for this four-seating electric hatchback yet, but we expect a simple front-wheel-drive setup with near about 100bhp which will be more than sufficient. Honda is likely to give it a range of over 300 kilometres per charge.

The interior shown is airy, lounge-like with a giant display running almost along the entire length of the dashboard. The steering wheel with its rounded edges looks super cool but is also likely not to make its way to a production-spec model. Either way you look at it, the Honda Urban EV Concept is adorable and beautiful and exciting. It is definitely going to be one of the most anticipated cars of 2019 and we hope Honda keeps the final look as close to this one as possible.