Honda 0 ? Prototype Is A Smaller Electrical Crossover For The 0 Collection Household

We’re arising on the two-year mark since Honda first unveiled its 0 Collection idea autos at CESand since then, we have gotten a couple of peeks at each the 0 SUV and 0 Saloon in closer-to-production kind. However now, a 3rd automobile is becoming a member of the portfolio as a type of gateway mannequin to the 0 Collection, and Honda is looking it the 0 ? (alpha). Whereas it’d look mighty much like the 0 SUV, Honda tells us it is a utterly new, smaller automobile.

Debuting on the 2025 Tokyo Mobility Presentthe 0 ? (let’s hope the identify does not stick) is seemingly outlined by its boxy design and ethereal cabin. I do know what you are pondering: It is eerily much like the 0 SUV we have already seen, however Honda guarantees us this factor is smaller — assume HR-V dimension, versus the 0 SUV being extra of a CR-V analogue. Regardless, the Japanese automaker pushed three growth tenets with the 0 Collection: Skinny, mild, and smart. A variety of that has to do with packaging. Honda says it was capable of create a automobile with a comparatively low total peak with out really compromising cabin house. Designers and engineers additionally gave the crossover a large stance as a option to visually signify the 0 ?’s stability.

As I discussed, the 0 ? prototype seems a hell of so much just like the 0 Collection SUV. Actually, apart from the a taller greenhouse with no aspect quarter window, the addition of precise mirrors, and a few minor tweaks to the lights and bumpers, the 2 vehicles extraordinarily related. That is an extremely good factor for those who ask me, because it seems unimaginable. Up entrance, the matrix-style headlights are changed with a still-very-cool-looking lightbar that runs the size of the grill. I am not completely certain the place the headlights are housed — or if the automobile really has them in any respect — so I might anticipate to see a couple of extra adjustments there earlier than the 0 ? really goes into manufacturing. Out again, the 0 ? retains its signature U-shaped taillight design of the 0 Collection SUV, nevertheless it loses the body-color panel contained in the “U” in favor of a black unit.

Whereas manufacturing of the 0 Collection SUV is slated for January of 2026, the 0 ? is scheudled to go on sale globally — primarily in Japan and India — beginning in 2027. There is not any particular point out of when it will hit U.S. sellers, and I would not maintain my breath if I had been you. Regardless that it seems so much like its greater 0 Collection SUV brother, it is not going the little crossover will make it to our shores, in response to a Honda consultant I spoke with. It is also nonetheless not clear how a lot the automobile will price.

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It will be fascinating to see simply how completely different Honda makes the 0 Collection SUV and 0 ?, however I suppose I will must see them subsequent to one another. From the place I am sitting, it looks like Honda caught a 0 Collection SUV in a replica machine and hit 75%, however possibly the variations will likely be extra obvious in particular person.

The world of EVs may be very completely different now than it was when Honda first introduced the 0 Collection at CES 2024, and in contrast to a number of automakers, it is good to see that it hasn’t scrapped its electrical ambitions altogether. After all, Honda has been late to the occasion in terms of EVs this complete time. Proper now, the corporate solely sells one EV within the U.S. — the Prologue — and it is a Chevy Blazer EV beneath. Certain, Acura has the RSX coming in 2026 on a brand new platform, however I am certain the corporate would like to have a home-grown mass-market crossover EV in Honda dealerships sooner moderately than later, and if the 0 ? is any indication, Honda is mighty shut.