The success of its Honda Element may have led Honda Motor Co. to consider the development of this concept. (That, or envious glances at the Scion xB sales figures.) Whatever the reason, Honda unveiled the Step Up concept as one of its answers in addressing the youthful segment.
The boxy concept is aimed for those who want maximum space and storage capacity in their vehicles. All seats flatten to provide maximum interior volume. The sliding van-like doors make it easy to enter and exit from any parking space no matter how tight the fit.
The Step Up Concept is purely for design. Honda has not announced any plans to bring it to production.
Our take? We’re a bit biased on boxy, van-like SUVs like the Element or xB and have a hard time looking at the Step Up with anything resembling impartiality. If Honda decides to produce it (which is not farfetched since rival Nissan is reportedly importing the Nissan Cube to the U.S.), we think it should heavily invest to make sure the exterior is more appealing than the concept.
LOS ANGELES 11/29/2006 -- Designed around high energy lifestyles, the Honda Step Bus Concept represents the ultimate expression of Honda packaging prowess with a mid-engine design and a fully maximized and quickly adaptable interior.
The highly configurable, high-tech interior provides ultimate urban utility from the outside in. Sliding front doors with a space efficient design let people enter and exit in tight spaces. Although micro in exterior size, the cavernous interior can harbor large amounts of band equipment, sports gear and other bulky items.
"Following the traditional Honda theme of 'man maximum, machine minimum,' the Step Bus seeks to create the largest possible interior with the smallest possible exterior," said John Mendel, senior vice president of American Honda Motor *** Inc. "This innovative concept vehicle shows how large functionality can easily exist within small vehicle packages."
The Step Bus Concept is a product of the Honda R&D *** Ltd., Wako design center in Saitama prefecture, Japan. Purely a styling concept, the vehicle uses a mid-engine, rear wheel drive platform with a small displacement power plant. The 5-passenger interior features modular construction with a spacious interior. The modular construction is highlighted by tracks in the door that can hold beverage containers, cell phones and more. Advanced technology includes a next-generation navigation system. The tall body provides room for a ceiling-mounted storage tray. Painted in light green metallic, the body design embraces a bold vertical architecture style that creates a large presence within a small space.