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This evolution from sketch – concept – production is quite a traditional one. Upon the release of the S60 production images, we are now able to compare the intended design flavor in the sketch to the production car.

Rear Sketch

In my opinion, the most exciting view is from the rear of the car. There are bold lines that flow from the nameplate through to the rear lamp then down to the rear fascia, intersecting the line rear fascia that flows to the body side. I’ve never seen anything like it.

Front Comparison [Sketch - Concept - Production

Similarly the front end has these gestural elements of lines swooping from the bonnet then translating to surfaces around the lamps and down around the grilles. These are also intersected by this clever theme around the lower grilles.

On the body side, a long beltline elongates this elegant and mildly aggressive car, resulting in a muscular form over each of the wheel arches.

Side Comparison [Sketch - Concept - Production

Evidence of this translation to the production car is less dramatic but the intentions are obvious. The bonnet, upper front fascia and beltline capture the most similarities, however throughout the car; the lower half is less inspiring as the concept. Totaling all the minor changes from concept to production, they all add up to a car that you can appreciate for its unique Volvo style, just a bit less dynamic than the designers idea.

This concept car by Honda opens an opportunity to test the reaction of the public towards a car idea and design. This retro inspired design will no doubt turn heads on the road, if it ever makes it. To me, the first thing I notice is its size – it is obvious that this is for the inner city. Within one of the door panels is an inbuilt Honda motorized unicycle. This feature enforces the EV-N as a complete transportation solution, and the image I have in my head is that of a revolutionized lifestyle in the way of getting around.

Exterior theme

There is a cheeky (and rather obvious) theme of oval shapes that feature on the exterior of the car, from the wheels, to the light design. More subtly, the gentle radius similarly echo this cheek from the outside and in. Just like the exterior, the key interactive areas of the car, such as the binnacle/panels and door clasps adopt ovals as their primary design influence. I think that even if it is obvious, it makes sense to keep the cheeky exterior ‘feeling’ on the inside of the car so the driver can feel like how they look!

Interior theme

One of the more interesting proposals in this concept, besides the solar panels, and clean simple design are the light weight mesh-like seats. I am curious to see how they would turn out in a production version from their comfort, material type and safety.

This could be a mother car for the future…

Exterior Features