Is this the 2026 Honda Odyssey EV? Space-Hub concept previews Honda's next-gen electric MPV
CY Foong · Jan 10, 2024 03:50 PM
0
0
Ample practicality and space are among the reasons why the Toyota Alphard and plenty of Japanese vans have a ubiquitously boxy shape. Some brands tried reinventing the shape but the boxiness of the Alphard and its peers is why the breadbox on wheels looks work.
Even though it’s the Alphard/Vellfire or its smaller siblings, the Noah/Voxy won the popularity contest, it was Honda that practically introduced the design to Japanese consumers with the first generation Honda Stepwgn in 1996. Practicality is imbued in Honda’s design philosophy with the company’s famous ‘man maximum, machine minimum’ (M/M) ethos.
That concept is one of the main ideals behind the Honda 0 Series, a new range of electrified models that Honda plans to launch in 2026. At the ongoing CES 2024 in Las Vegas, Honda unveiled a new redesigned logo as well as two concept cars to kick off this new era – the Saloon and Space-Hub.
The Saloon has been explained in a separate article but the gist of it is it is planned as a flagship model, hinting at perhaps the return of the Honda Legend.
As for the Space-Hub, the concept was developed under the theme of ‘augmenting people’s daily lives’. The M/M philosophy along with the newly introduced “Thin, Light, and Wise” development approach are some of the core ideals behind its spacious cabin and excellent visibility.
There’s a sense of community behind the Space-Hub’s design as well and Honda describes it as a “flexible space that immediately accommodates what the users want to do, and becomes a hub that connects people to people and people to society, generating mutual resonance with each other.”
To sum up those jargons of buzzwords and puffy PR language, the Space-Hub could be a preview of a new generation of electric Honda MPVs. Perhaps it might even be a sort of crystal ball or loaf into what the next-generation Honda Odyssey might look like.
Current North American (above) and international versions of the Odyssey
The Odyssey is Honda’s flagship MPV and while there are two variations - one for the North American market and the other for the international markets - Honda could perhaps streamline both versions into one.
Japanese production of the Odyssey has stopped with the model being imported into the Land of the Rising Sun from China. Both versions are also currently on borrowed time and are in their fifth generation with the NA version introduced in 2018 while the international version was introduced earlier in 2013.
Honda announced that the first 0 Series model will be introduced in 2026 with North America being the debut market followed by the rest of the world including Asia. It is still uncertain which of the two concepts will be entering production first but fans of Japanese MPVs might be wishing the Space-Hub is released first.
Traded advertising for a career that fits his passion for cars. Enjoys spotting cars during his free time and has a soft spot for Japanese Kei cars but drives a thirsty manual sedan.
