Honda Vision XS-1 Concept Unveiled at 2014 New Delhi Auto Expo

While we wait for the 2014 Chicago Motor Show to open doors tomorrow morning, another Auto Expo is already in full swing across the world. It’s the 2014 New Delhi Auto Expo, and while we don’t often see many internationally applicable cars coming out of Indian-focused auto shows, this time we have a little treat.

As you can see, what we have here is a compact crossover. But, what the image doesn’t properly convey is just how compact this crossover actually is. We don’t have any exact measurements, but the study seems to be about the size of a Nissan Juke, maybe a little longer. However, where the Juke only seats five (as do most other crossovers of this size), the Honda Vision XS-1 Concept seats seven.

That’s right, it has three rows of seats, all in one tiny car. But it doesn’t feel cramped, which is astonishing.

Here’s a look at the interior of the Vision XS-1 to help you understand what it feels like inside. It’s accessed via two enormous electric-sliding doors on either side:

This is actually a very impressive-looking interior given the size of the car. All in all, it has a very modern feel to it both inside and out, with the perfect mix of utility and swag. Which is good, because that’s exactly what Honda was trying to accomplish with this study. According to the press release, “Based on Honda’s original M/M (man maximum, machine minimum) concept, the Honda Vision XS-1 fuses together two different values, a sporty exterior styling and amazing spaciousness, in the compact body.”

As far as powertrain specs go, Honda didn’t give us any information whatsoever. Given the location of the XS-1 Concept’s unveiling, we wouldn’t be surprised to see the car come stock-equipped with a diesel engine. Although we’d be surprised if Honda didn’t make a hybrid version too, maybe even an electric-only one.

Unfortunately, the press release goes on to tell us that there are no specific production plans for the Honda Vision XS-1 Concept. Disheartening, to say the least. The concept looks very good, and we’d love to see it come to international shores outside of India. Either way though, Honda has done an excellent job of proving that they still lead the pack when it comes to compact design. What we would like, of course, is for Honda to have the nerve to take a concept like this and actually put it on the road, much as Citroen have done with their radical Cactus.

Oh, and make sure you come back tomorrow for more Japanese car news – we’re sure to have something awesome from the 2014 Chicago Motor Show!