Honda->ke34 has graced the world with a new concept car->ke169 -- the Vision XS-1 -- and it is actually pretty cool. If you were to imagine a futuristic Honda Fit->ke1336 with a lift kit, and a Hot Wheels shade of electric blue, you’d be getting close to what this concept looks like.

The Vision XS-1 concept features a compact exterior footprint to make it easy to maneuver in packed cities, but it has an increased ride height to give it that SUV->ke145 look. Despite its relatively tiny size, Honda says the Vision XS-1 has room for up to 7 people.

The entire concept is built around Honda’s man maximum, machine minimum M/M design philosophy. The idea is to create something that is human centered, and designed to get the machines out of the way of the experience.

Honda has said that this India reveal is a concept only, but we have our doubts about that.

Read on to find out more about this new ambitious concept.

2014 Honda Vision XS-1 Concept

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 Honda Vision XS-1 Concept
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 140
  • Torque: 120
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The outside of the Honda Vision XS-1 has some interesting details that aren’t immediately noticeable. The first are the doors. When they are closed the XS-1 has a pretty normal profile, but when the doors are opened, its secret is revealed. There are only two doors, but they are double length and open on sliders.

The doors themselves stretch from wheel to wheel and provide a cavernous entry, making it easy for anyone to get in and out.

Interior

The inside of XS-1 features a pair of stylish bucket seats, plenty of bronze-colored accents and two rows of benches for rear seat passengers. When cargo takes priority, the seats fold down and are covered in a hard material. It basically turns the back of the XS-1 into a hard shell carrier, like the bed of a pickup.

Is It Coming Out?

Honda has said that " there is no mass-production plan for this model at the moment," but we expect differently. Honda has said on multiple occasions that is working on a crossover based on the Fit hatchback, and this looks like a natural progression of that thinking.

If a production version arrives, it wont have the huge wheels, or the cool door design, but overall the general shape and size of the XS-1 should stay, along with some details like the general shape of the taillamps and headlights.

Conclusion

The Vision XS-1 is an ambitious concept with many bold ideas. I really enjoy the thought of having extra large doors that open in a parallel plane to the car. It makes it really easy to enter and exit in tight parking spaces.

Beyond the doors, the overall exterior look is very futuristic and forward thinking in all the right ways. I hope to see many of these design ideas carry over from the concept to a production car of some sort.