There's a lot to love about our favorite Japanese automaker; while there's always the superb lineup of new Honda models here Lithia Honda in Medford, the brand also makes tons of other products from lawnmowers to robots to jets to motorcycles. Now, they're working on the prototype of a tiny commuter vehicle called the MC-B, short for Micro Commuter Beta.
The folks over at Autoblog.com were lucky enough to get a test drive in one and had some choice thoughts on it, which we couldn't wait to take a look at and share with you. Here's some of what they found:
- The Honda MC-B has seating for one driver in front and one passenger in the back, which can be swapped for a pair of child-sized seats.
- It runs on an AC electric motor at roughly 8 horsepower and a top speed of 43 miles per hour - about the power of a 150cc scooter with the added benefit of a car-like frame to protect you.
- We say "car-like" because the design was derived from the Honda motorcycle division, offering half-doors sans-windows.
- The vehicle is proposed for the Japanese transport ministry, aimed to take over the streets of Tokyo
- It's incredibly efficient with its size, at just 98 inches long, 50 inches wide, and 60 inches tall.
- The battery pack takes less than three hours to charge up completely on a 200-volt plug and has about a 50-mile range.
- A lack of power steering makes sense for its size but a firm grip is required for turns, as opposed to the finger-light touch many of us are used to.
It a long way away from release, and may never see US shores, so don't cross your fingers too hard for this one. Still, it's an interesting vehicle and we'd love to one day at least take one out for a cruise. If you'd like to see a proper, current Honda vehicle, come on down to our Medford, OR dealership location and prepare to have a fantastic experience.
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