TOKYO MOTOR SHOW: Honda EV-STER

Standout among Honda's extensive seven-model show line-up at Tokyo this week is the EV-STER electric sportscar.

The open top concept car is designed to demonstrate Honda’s willingness to bring a sporty side to environmentally friendly cars, using rear-wheel drive and maintaining the two-seater roadster effect.

Lately Honda has been accused of ignoring its sports DNA so the sight of the striking rear-wheel drive carbon-fibre EV is welcome.

Officially, Honda wants to "propose a new way to enjoy a sports type model which is unique to electromotive mobility."

The EV-STER boasts carbon material construction to reduce weight and enhance performance and electric driving range. Honda claims the concept EV open top would manage 160km in 'real world' driving demands.

A driver can even adjust motor output and suspension settings, according to the maker.

Honda engineers have also pushed the boundaries of interior design. Instead of a conventional wheel to steer the vehicle, two levers are used in joystick fashion. The dash and instrumentation layout is minimalist and modern, with a clever arrangement of gauges and driver information systems.

Max speed of the EV convertible is 160km/h but it's responsive off the line: 0-60km/h takes 5.0 seconds.

The EV-STER is one of a bevy of battery and/or hybrid options at the Tokyo show developed for environmentally considerate transport from Honda, whose latest tag is "Blue Skies for Our Children".

HONDA EV-STER SPECIFICATIONS

Vehicle length 3,570mm
Vehicle width 1,500mm
Vehicle height 1,100mm
Wheelbase 2,325mm

Maximum speed 160km/h
Acceleration (0-60km/h) 5.0 sec
Maximum range Approximately 160km (JC08 mode)
Battery 10kWh lithium-ion battery
Maximum battery output 58kW

Charging time 200V: under 3 hours
100V: under 6 hours