Honda likely to be the star attraction at the Tokyo Motor Show

(Honda)

(Relaxnews) -

The 21st Tokyo Motor Show will open its doors on October 24, with Japanese automaker Honda the early favorite to grab the most attention thanks to its innovative concept vehicles.

This year's exhibition will be much less impressive than in years past as many non-Japanese automakers have withdrawn due to recession-related troubles. And with Toyota having unveiled its latest hybrid concepts last month at the Frankfurt Auto Show, all eyes will likely be on the eco-friendly vehicles to be featured by Honda.

Electric vehicles were the big story at Frankfurt, but Honda has waited to showcase its EV-N concept in its own backyard. Few details have been released, but the car is a four-door mini compact with a solar roof panel. The car, intended for the urban market, drew its retro style inspiration from 1960s Honda models.

Adding to the innovative technology quotient is a Honda U3-X motorized unicycle stored inside the passenger door panel. Whether that will make the cut when it comes to production is unknown, but such details, as well as battery range and production schedule, should be cleared up at the exhibition.

Hitting Japanese streets in February 2010 is the CR-Z hybrid concept, which will be the first hybrid ever to use a six-speed manual transmission. Honda is hoping this very sporty vehicle will make all forget the hybrid troubles experienced with the Insight compact.

Honda is also debuting a concept hybrid minivan called the Skydeck that pulls the door off the traditional minivan in nearly every way possible, with scissor front doors that open upward and rear sliding doors. The batteries have been apportioned along the center console of the van, an innovative idea that does not impinge upon cargo space. The modern design, featuring a glass roof, makes this MPV (multipurpose vehicle) a true eye-catcher.