Bangkok Post : Although just a design concept to gauge public reaction, expect updated evolutions of the P-NUT with eventual vehicle for sale in the future
- Huh, Smart ForThree... are you serious?
Of course not, this is Honda P-NUT concept car - the model name stands for Personal Neo Urban Transport. It's created by the Advanced Design Studio of Honda R&D Americas as a design study for future urban commute.
- Oh, I thought they run on peanuts...
Nope, or else you might see monkeys jumping around. Seriously, the P-NUT is Honda's latest possible answer to the Daimler's futuristic Smart ForTwo microcar. Its length is within the Japanese kei or minicar dimension at 3,400mm, although it's nearly as wide as an Accord at 1,750mm.
- The point being?
Honda wanted the P-NUT to cover the smallest footprints on two fronts: minimal road space taken for maximal manoeuvrability around town and also minimal carbon footprint from ultra-efficient powertrain.
- How can they achieve that?
First, the tiny dimensions take care of miminising road space, while interior packaging ensures adequate space for three adults with a 1+2 seating arrangement like in the McLaren F1 supercar. Second, a choice of highly efficient drivetrains mounted in the rear could be used ranging from small petrol engine, a hybrid variant of that or a new plug-in electric motor running on batteries. Third, a lightweight composite chassis and body minimises the load for the drivetrain to push forward.
- Is there even a dashboard inside?
Yes, but the cool thing is that the sat-nav and rear-view camera go on the HUD - Head Up Display on the inside of the integrated lightweight plastic windshield slash canopy. A plane-type controller replaces the steering wheel for added high-tech effect though.
- Must be tight in there...
Honda claims legroom is comparable to those in a D-segment saloon - say, an Accord - with the 1+2 seating. The driver's seat can swivel to make way for either right or left rear passenger to get in and out. The two rear seat bolsters can also fold up to free up space.
- Are those doors gullwing-type?
- So, nothing new about any of that...
Uh, you're right. But you see, the majority of Americans wanted to see realistically affordable budget vehicles that they could buy in the next few years instead of super expensive $100,000 electric sportscar.
- You mean Honda will sell the P-NUT?
No, this is just a design concept to gauge the feelings of the consumers. You can expect updated evolutions of the P-NUT in the next few years with eventual vehicle for sale may be in two years' time.
- Is there really a market for such a car?
Yes, definitely. The money-sensible consumers of the world are downsizing their work-week cars to affordable, small and fuel-efficient cars like the Smart, Toyota iQ and Mitsubishi i-MIEV. Most of major European and Japanese car makers are already planning similar vehicles too.
- Please define "affordable"...
In realistic term, affordable small city car need not cost B100,000 in India like the Tata Nano but must cost under B500,000 in any market, be super efficient like 30-50kpl and clean with CO2 emission of under 100g/km.
Source: Honda Car, P-NUT, Vehicles from Bangkok Post.
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