Frankfurt 2017: Honda Urban EV Concept Revealed; Production In 2019

For the true enthusiasts out there with some serious driving skills, Audi Sport has introduced the new Audi R8 RWS at the Frankfurt Motor ShowAttracting all the attention at the Honda pavilion at this year's Frankfurt Motor Show, the Japanese automaker has pulled wraps of its Urban EV Concept which is a highly good looking compact electric vehicle. With a rather bland name, the Honda Urban EV Concept is a funky little hatchback with retro inspired styling from the older 1970-80s hatchbacks. Honda says the Urban EV Concept is not a far fetched model of the future but will make it to production very soon. In fact, keeping up with Honda's electric onslaught, the company says the new Urban EV will "strengthen the development of electric vehicles (battery EV) in addition to fuel cell vehicles (FCV)".

(The Honda Urban EV Concept looks inspired from the European hatcbacks of the 1970-80s)

The Honda Urban EV Concept will make it to production in a much toned down appearance and the company says it is expected to be launched in Europe sometime in 2019. The concept previews the design and battery technology of smaller hatchback positioned below the Jazz hatchback, being about 100 mm shorter.

(The low and wide stance looks sporty and very Japanese on the retro concept)

The overall design looks stunning on the Honda Urban EV concept and seems to have taken inspiration from the first generation Civic. The old school styling of the three-door hatchback looks stunning with the large circular headlights, big glasshouse area and the lovely multi-spoke alloy wheels. You can influences from older European hatchbacks too including the Volkswagen Golf and Fiat 500 as well as the Volkswagen Beetle. That said, the low and wide stance of the concept is very Japanese inspired, while the blue illumination all over, plays emphasis on the electric underpinnings of the model. The blue 'H' logo will be a norm on the future Honda EVs.

(The retro theme is carried in the cabin as well with old school style switches)

There is an interactive screen as well on the grille that displays greetings, messages as well as the charging status. At the rear, the Japanese influence is evident with the raked windscreen while the squared taillights create a nice contrast over the headlamps.

Inside, the Honda Urban EV Concept continues with the retro theme but in a more futuristic layout. A massive touchscreen infotainment system takes prominence on the dashboard, while there seems to be a display panel on the door pad as well that act as outside rear view mirrors supported by real-time camera imagery. The dashboard is finished in wood, while the bench seats at the front and rear are upholstered in grey fabric. Honda has also added rear hinged doors on the Urban EV concept that makes access to the rear seats easier.

(The Honda Concept features the automated network assistant that acts a personal concierge)

The Honda Urban EV concept also features the company's new Automated Network Assistant that acts as a personal concierge and learns from the driver by detecting emotions and judgements while driving. Meanwhile, the carmaker says the electric drive system is capable of releasing energy back into the home or selling it to the grid when connected to Honda's Power Management energy storage concept.

Honda hasn't revealed power output or battery figures on the concept, but does say the car is part of the automaker's 'Electric Vision' strategy, which includes a dedicated EV platform. This includes a high density and lightweight battery pack, integrated heat management system and the evolution of energy tranfer solutions from to and from the vehicle.