Honda to present two 0 Series prototypes at 2025 CES

MANILA: Honda will be debuting two new prototype cars at the upcoming 2025 Consumer Electronics Show (CES). 

As shared by the Japanese marque, the two vehicles are pre-production prototypes based on the  “Saloon” and the “Space-hub” 0 Series concept vehicles, which previously debuted at the 2024 CES. Furthermore, the carmaker implied that the two prototypes will eventually form the basis of production models, which will be officially introduced to the global market in 2026. 

Notably, the duo of Honda 0 Series prototypes will also function as the host vehicles for the automotive company’s first-ever in-house developed vehicle operating system (OS). As “software-defined vehicles,” the two pre-production cars will likewise showcase Honda’s latest developments in autonomous driving and other cutting-edge technologies. 

So, contrary to the interactive but static display concept cars shown off at last year’s CES, the ones at the upcoming event might be functional, pre-production platforms. However, Honda hasn’t released any more details about the two prototypes, so, for now, here are some details about the Honda 0 Series Saloon and Space-hub concept cars. 

Honda 0 Series Saloon

The Saloon, per Honda, is the flagship model of the 0 Series. It comes in the form of a sleek teardrop-shaped car, which the brand says is the perfect embodiment of the “thing, light, and wise” design approach. 

Apart from its unique, aerodynamic profile, the concept boasts a large glass roof. The aforementioned is a singular piece, which also forms the car’s windshield. 

Despite its name, the vehicle seems to come with two doors. The said doors, however, encompass most of the vehicle’s length, so they could provide access to the front and rear seats of the vehicle simultaneously. 

The rear of the Saloon, meanwhile, features exaggerated details such as very chunky wheel arches, an oversized diffuser, and a gigantic but eye-catching 3D-like taillight design. 

Based on the pictures of the Honda 0 Series Saloon’s interior, it likewise boasts an enormous amount of space for up to four passengers. It features supportive bucket seats, a yoke-type steering wheel, and a massive digital display that encompasses most of the dashboard. 

Honda didn’t say anything about its powertrain, but there’s little doubt that it is an all-electric model. 

Honda 0 Series Space-hub

Contrary to the relatively small and compact Saloon, the Space-hub is a mid-size sports utility vehicle (SUV) with a focus on comfort, space, and autonomous driving. 

Designed under the theme of “augmenting people’s daily lives,” the concept car boasts a smooth but boxy design. Like the other 0 Series concept, it also has a large single-piece greenhouse, which functions as a sunroof and a windshield at the same time. 

Contrary to the traditional seat setup of the Saloon, however, the Space-hub showcases a face-to-face arrangement, which may be a more “social” setup compared to the usual row-style of in-car seating. 

Interestingly,  the silhouette of the prototype SUV shown on the 2025 CES teaser departs a bit from the very stylistic Space-hub. Instead of the original concept vehicle’s unusual bumper-less square-shaped rear, it comes with a more traditional, albeit futuristic SUV design. 

No further details were provided for the two Honda 0 Series prototypes, so let us wait for the Honda press conference at 2025 CES on January 8, 2025, at 2:30 a.m. Note that the event will be live-streamed on YouTube. 

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