Honda's new range of concepts

Honda has revealed a range of concepts for the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show. This range includes a new mid-engine sports car concept known as the AC-X- a plug-in hybrid saloon will share the stage with the Honda Small Sports EV Concept and a Renault Twizy-style urban commuter vehicle.

However, there have been no details revealed by Honda on the targa-roofed concept, with the firm only saying that the car previews a “next-generation compact EV sports model that’s fun to drive while achieving excellent environmental performance”.

The car is not quite the successor to the NSX supercar that Honda insiders had been hinting would be on display at Tokyo. Instead its size appears to be closely linked to the Porsche Boxster. Another Honda insider described the Tokyo concept as a “modern interpretation of the NSX”. This backs up the comments made by Honda CEO Takanobu Ito to Autocar at the recent Frankfurt motor show.

“You can’t depend on a high power output to call a car 'sports' anymore,” said Ito. “The original NSX was about high power and good driving performance, but today power-to-weight is what we must focus on. We will not chase Ferrari for outright power; we want to chase efficiency as well.”

Honda describes the AC-X saloon concept as being a next-generation plug-in hybrid. The concept appears to be between the Civic and Accord in size. The firm revealed last month that it intends to have a plug-in hybrid on sale in limited numbers in China, Japan and US in 2012.

According to Honda, the concept “offers a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience in urban and long-distance motoring”. To that end, the concept is offered with an ‘automatic driving mode’ for more relaxed driving, with an ‘engine drive mode’ on offer for more spirited driving.

The Micro Commuter Concept gets a similar three-seat 1+2 layout to the Nissan PIVO 3, featuring a central driving position. One novel feature is its ability to store Honda’s tiny new Motor Compo electric folding bike. This features a detachable battery pack that can be used to remotely power everyday items.

Stay tuned for more updates from Honda and other carmakers from the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show.