Honda Gear Concept

Rather than fighting for headlines at NAIAS, Honda debuted its new GEAR Concept at the Montreal International Auto Show.

The subcompact GEAR is apparently inspired by fixed-gear bicycles (although quite how is unclear), described as a customizable vehicle that demonstrates the carmaker's way of providing vehicles for young, urban, Gen-Y lifestyles.

"Subcompact cars are usually either utilitarian, but uninspiring or they're fun, zippy cars that are impractical and too expensive for the Gen-Y buyer," said Dave Marek, Design Director at Honda R&D Americas, Inc.

"Honda GEAR Concept tears down those walls - it's practical but fun, customizable, connected and affordable. Everything that young, discerning urban buyers would want in a car."

The car appears very simple in both graphics and surfacing. At the front the GEAR's headlamps and grille are integrated in a broad horizontal strip that stretches the width of the car. The hood moves smoothly into the windshield and its surface is only interrupted by a pair of feature lines that emphasize the grille graphic.

The smooth surfacing continues onto the sides, with flush glazing, little tublehome and no apparent shoulder. Two diagonal feature lines index with the center of each axle. The extremely large DLO – similar in shape to the European Civic – creates a quarterlight at the front of the greenhouse while a hidden door handle is integrated into the B-pillar, which is pushed backwards close to the C-pillar.

At the rear the tall lamps stretch across the width of the car behind a glazed element, continued from the tailgate, while the exhausts are set into the bottom of the bumper.

Like many recent Japanese concepts, the GEAR was displayed without an interior.

Gallery: Honda GEAR Concept

By