Honda Urban EV production prototype for Geneva

Concept car will become near-reality at Geneva; here's the first look

It's fair to say that Honda's Urban EV concept was one of the biggest surprises of the 2017 Frankfurt show. It wasn't simply because Honda had come up with a funky, relevant, interesting concept car either, but because it was also committing the concept to production. Soon as well, they said - unlike the NSX - with production cars due in 2020.

Almost two years on from that reveal and that timescale looks to be on track, with a 'prototype version' of Honda's new electric vehicle due at Geneva in March. Quite clearly it's derived from that concept, albeit with the retro chic toned down somewhat. Honda says the car has been developed "with a focus on functionality and purpose and the prototype sketch demonstrates this through its clean, simple and unique design." This sketch is all that's been released thus far, with no additional details or images.

It seems wrong therefore to pass any judgement just yet, though it's hard to avoid a sliver of disappointment given how fresh and smart that Urban EV looked - this prototype doesn't immediately grab you in the same way. Still, there's a lot more to discover as the show nears, so let's keep hope for a while - maybe Honda can do the Sports EV one day, too...