Honda, as you may know, makes more than just cars and SUVs. For one, it’s the world’s largest motorcycle manufacturer. The Big H also dabbles in solar cells, airplanes, personal watercraft, and humanoid robots. So it’s no surprise that the company’s Tokyo auto-show stand featured more than just cars this year.
Honda’s latest foray into the Kei-car segment (a special category of Japanese microcars) is an all-new platform that uses the company’s latest inline-three engine mated to a new CVT. Available in naturally aspirated and turbo models, the N Box recalls (in name, at least) Honda’s original N360 minicar. The N also stands for New Next Nippon Norimono—that last word meaning “vehicle.” The N Box goes on sale in Japan in mid-December and will be followed by two more N models in spring and fall of 2012, the latter of which closely resembles the EV-N concept from the 2009 Tokyo show.
With styling and a moniker that borrow from 1960s racing motorcycles—Honda’s RC series of bikes dates back to the beginning of its factory racing program—the fully electric RC-E is a retro look at the future of motorcycles. The bike is sized like a 250-cc-class entry and carries batteries where the fuel tank would go as well as down in the belly pan. Unfortunately, the future projected here won’t include the ear-splitting engine noise of other Honda motorcycles showcased at the show, but we still like it.
Paired with the Micro Commuter concept and powered by Honda’s conceptual Loop battery power source, the Motor Compo is exactly the sort of strangeness we expect from the Tokyo show. Who wouldn’t want to run around town on a tiny electric scooter? Don’t answer that. When not powering the Motor Compo, the Loop battery can be used as a portable power source or provide accessory power for the Micro Commuter.
Honda says this three-wheeled scooter is ready for personal use in the city, as well as delivery work and other business applications. We say it’s the most stylish way an octogenarian could ever dream of rolling up to a Palm Springs bingo hall. The rear box is optional, and the clear canopy is supposed to protect the rider without impairing visibility.
Contemplate the central irony in a device called the Townwalker that actually assists you in not walking. But we’ll be the first to admit that some style is sorely needed in the four-wheel-personal-mobility market, and the Townwalker has plenty of it. Like the Motor Compo concept, the Townwalker is powered by Honda’s Loop battery. Plastic and aluminum are used to keep weight down, and the seat and steering apparatus fold down for easy transport in a car.
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