Honda ’s New Small Concept first took to the stage in January at the annual Auto Expo 2010 in New Delhi, India, to deliver a potential rival to the country’s beloved domestically-designed and produced Tata Nano. The little five-door car will be positioned as a more premium Nano rival when a production model debuts for the 2011 model year.
Now, Honda is ready to reveal a production version of the New Small Concept – which will lead to two versions – at the Thailand International Motor Expo on November 20th.
“Based on this prototype, Honda will introduce two different versions of the small-sized vehicle, which will share the same basic design,” Honda said in a statement. “In Thailand, Honda will introduce a model that complies with the country’s high fuel efficiency standards. In India, Honda will introduce a model developed exclusively for the country’s growing small car market.”
Honda says that the car has an “Efficient Energetic Exterior” with “forward bumpers” to give it a more aggressive shape than its diminutive size would suggest.
The production models will be built in both India and Thailand next year, although Honda hasn’t released confirmed a name or official introduction date. No powertrain or interior fittings were included on the concept car, but Honda has suggested that the production models will be “beyond the expectations of customers in rapidly growing markets and offer it at an affordable price.”
Unfortunately for those in the U.S. and Europe that find this small Honda unusually attractive, don’t expect this car to come to a dealer near you.
