Honda Vision XS-1 Concept looks like a sportier Vezel [w/video]
Wed, 05 Feb 2014We've talked a lot about the Honda Vezel over the past few months, as the Autoblog staff is looking forward to the Fit-based CUV. It's a handsome little vehicle, that we think will do quite well when it finally arrives in the US market. That said, it's not a particularly exciting vehicle to look at.
Along with the appearance of the Mugen-tuned Vezel at the Tokyo Auto Salon, though, a new concept that's being shown by Honda today at India's Delhi Auto Expo has us hopeful for a Vezel that looks a bit more assertive. It's called the Vision XS-1 Concept, and it's a seven-passenger (yes, seven) crossover that features minivan-style sliding doors. It sports Honda's "Exciting H Design," which is the same design philosophy used by the stylists that penned the new Fit. Unfortunately, at the moment, Honda has provided exactly zero details about what powers its new concept.
As a concept for the Indian market, which is home to some of the tightest, most congested roads on the planet, the stylish XS-1 is meant to demonstrate that Honda knows a thing or six about building compact vehicles. In that regard, we think it's a spot-on piece of work. Let us know what you think of it in Comments, but first, have a look up top for a gallery of images and then scroll down for a brief video and the official press release from Honda.
Honda Exhibits World Premiere of Creative Study Model "Honda Vision XS-1" at the 12th Auto Expo 2014 in India
TOKYO, Japan, February 5, 2014 - Honda Motor Co., Ltd. exhibited the world premiere of the Honda Vision XS-1 at the 12th Auto Expo 2014 held at India Expo Mart in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India (press days: February 5-6, public days: February 7-11, 2014).
The Honda Vision XS-1 is a creative study model which embodies Honda's vision for the future of manufacturing. Based on Honda's original M/M (man maximum, machine minimum) concept*, the Honda Vision XS-1 fuses together two different values, a sporty exterior styling and amazing spaciousness, in the compact body. Furthermore, based on the Honda design concept, "Exciting H Design," Honda's human-centered design concept was embodied in this model.
The Honda Vision XS-1 was designed to represent Honda's creativity in designing compact vehicles whose market is growing all around the world. Although there is no mass-production plan for this model at the moment, Honda chose to exhibit the world premiere of this model in India, a rapidly growing market where Honda has strong ties.
?Three rows of seats for a maximum of seven occupants in the compact body
?Realizing both sportiness and versatile space at the same time
?Sliding doors with large openings
Since its foundation, Honda has been retaining the passion and beliefs toward the art of manufacturing. Honda will continue proposing the Honda Vision that is filled with unique ideas.
By Brandon Turkus
See also: Consumer Reports says Toyota, Ford, Honda and Chevy are big winners in brand perception survey, Nissan Rogue gives brand rare monthly sales lead over Honda, Fire up your 3D printer! Honda releases data for several of its past concepts [w/video].