E Prototype: Honda’s Retro-Futuristic Little Car Should Be a Star Attraction in Geneva

Honda had first shown its early-concept version Urban EV at the Frankfurt auto show in the fall of 2017, to enthusiastic response. Now the company is coming to Geneva with the E Prototype, a version much close to production. As per the trend, it has released a few teaser images to whet appetites.

Many will be happy and relieved to see that the E Prototype has retained the unique, retro-futuristic look of the earlier Urban EV concept. Given Honda’s sometime spotty record when it comes to car design, it’S great news to see the car feature those fresh contours.

Nice detail: the front grille, highlighted by two round LED headlights, features a Honda logo that lights up. Only, that kind of feature is actually illegal in several European countries.

For the rest, the new prototype is a bit rounder overall than the Urban EV. Oh, and it has two more doors.

Inside, the focus is on simplicity. There’s a dual-spoke steering wheel, digital instrumentation and a large screen located at the top of the dashboard. For the volume and climate control buttons, Honda has placed traditional buttons in lieu of commands hidden away in menus on the touchscreen. The automaker is promising a relaxed environment, with the flat floor and sofa-like materials designed to evoke a living-room space.

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