As a core part of Honda’s rather bold, no-holds-barred push towards an all-electric future, the Japanese brand has since revealed two eye-catching new prototype models for their upcoming 0 Series family… The aptly named Honda 0 Saloon and Honda 0 SUV. While it’s not the kind of imaginative nameplate that’ll set your heart on fire, they at least look superbly cool! You’ll be seeing more of these soon, as Honda’s 0 Series all-electric line-up is set to debut globally from 2026 onward, and they’ll be built on a brand-new, dedicated EV architecture. Plus, it looks like Honda’s tried-and-tested “Thin, Light, and Wise” way of designing cars is still here to stay.
That line of thinking is refreshing enough, though Honda is keen to show off their techy side in the new 0 Series prototypes. For example, Honda’s old ASIMO humanoid robot makes a return in the new 0 Series models. However, instead of a robot, ASIMO is Honda’s next-gen in-vehicle operating system, with its software suite encompassing driver assistance programmes, in-car digital experiences, as well as semi-autonomous driving. Speaking of, the 0 Series should also include Level 3 semi-autonomous driving. As you can imagine, all this tech needs quite a bit of processing power, so the 0 Series will come with the uber-powerful Renesas R-Car X5 SoC.
Honda 0 Saloon – A Sleek, Sporty, Dystopian Cheese Wedge
As much as all this tech talk piques my nerdy side, I can’t help but gush at the Honda 0 Series saloon. Surprisingly, this latest prototype remains pretty faithful to the original concept that Honda showed off at last year’s CES (2024). Supposedly, we’ll have to wait and see if it’s really true, but Honda claims that the final production model will closely mimic their concept version here. I’m holding them to that one, but I’d love to see Honda try an equally bold and jaw-dropping design language like this more often, just like they did with the Honda e. They haven’t unveiled a lot though, but the titbits of information that we have is exciting stuff!
The Honda 0 Saloon boasts a sleek, low-profile, cheese wedge design language that I usually see in 80s and 90s sci-fi flicks and concept cars of yesteryear. However, what is shocking with the Honda 0 Saloon is that despite the sporty and compact exterior – it does look a tad bigger through pictures, mind – the cabin is made to be pretty spacious and practical. Given that it’s built on Honda’s updated, dedicated EV platform, I’m expecting a good bit of range, too. As I mentioned earlier, the Honda 0 Saloon is a tech tour-de-force, with Honda’s ASIMO operating system and Level 3 semi-autonomous driving, with the latter offering eyes-off driving.
Honda 0 SUV – A Boxy Vanguard For Honda’s Electric Assault
As much as I’m a fan of Honda’s new 0 Saloon, the 0 SUV is equally quite neat. I know most of you are probably bored of crossovers and SUVs by now, but it looks like Honda did a pretty fab job on the 0 SUV. You might notice some uncanny resemblance with the Honda 0 SUV, as it is based on the old Honda Space-Hub concept that they introduced at CES 2024. The big change here is that Honda went for an SUV form factor, instead of a van. More so than the 0 Saloon, the 0 SUV is made to further maximise interior space, creating a more open, airy, and flexible cabin. This also affords you a wide, clear, and unrestricted field of view for optimal visibility.
Additionally, the 0 SUV aims to excite you in the driving experience department. It’s not that I expect dynamism out of an SUV, but Honda wants to integrate some clever tech to squeeze a bit more athleticism out of the 0 SUV. In short, it uses an array of 3D gyro sensors, derived from Honda’s extensive robotics expertise, helping to improve and maximise stability and precision on varied road conditions. When it launches in the first half of 2026, the Honda 0 SUV will be entering a crowded market, where it will compete with the likes of the Tesla Model Y and the Toyota bZ4X. If looks are anything to go by, I dare say Honda might have an ace up its sleeve!