Live Large in the Compact Honda Step Bus Concept
 

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Live Large in the Compact Honda Step Bus Concept
 

Live Large in the Compact Honda Step Bus Concept

Los Angeles, CA - November 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 Co., 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 Co., 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.

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Honda Step Bus concept
 

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2006 Los Angeles auto show: A wild, but cleverly packaged, mid-engined "bus" from Honda.
BY MARK GILLIES, November 2006

This micro van looked more like a refugee from the Tokyo Show, than a serious look at a future North American vehicle. A product of Honda's Japanese design studio, the Step Bus was shown in L.A. to gauge public reaction and because the show highlights design. This mid-engined, rear-wheel-drive van is actually brilliantly packaged with space for five adults and a decent trunk in a far smaller package than an Element. Cool interior treatments included a dashboard that borrowed from iPod and iMac design. Will Honda sell anything like this in the US? We doubt it, somehow.

Car and Driver
http://www.caranddriver.com/autoshow...s-concept.html