If you’ve seen any of the concept cars emerging at the latest major world motor show in Tokyo, Japan, you’ll soon realize that the car gadget of the scooter is, well, a car!
Honda unveiled its latest invention at the show – the Micro Commuter Concept Car.
First off, the car’s looks are incredible. It looks like an all-plastic car that has yet to be finished off and is notable by its absence of wheels! Of course, that’s not the case in reality – though the wheels are nearly invisible. In short, it looks like the kind of car the sci-fi film creators of the 1960s thought we’d be driving by now.
The micro commuter is a few inches shorter in length than a “Smart fortwo” that we’re all used to seeing, but still manages to seat three people due to the central diving position – with the dual passenger seat area behind.
And in the boot of the car, there’s the Honda Motor Compo, a box that opens out with wheels and a handlebar that functions like an electric bike. So once you’ve parked up, you can commute the rest of the distance in a Segway-like way.
You can’t help but think that you’re looking at the future of eco cars when you consider what the all-electric micro commuter offers. In an electric motoring future where recharging points in cities may be commonplace, the limited 37 mile range won’t be a real problem – nor will the 37 miles per hour top speed. After all – how many times can you get up to 37 mph in city centres anyway?
The concept is clearly that – a concept; a foretaste of what the future may hold, where the car itself becomes the must-have gadget for the young and trendy commuter.