The Small Hybrid Sports Concept is a sports car that features hybrid technology – proving stylish design and driving enjoyment can be combined with low environmental impact. It was designed by Honda R&D Europe, based in Offenbach, Germany.

The current Honda Civic Hybrid uses petrol as its primary fuel source. Our Editor has his fingers crossed that Honda will switch to diesel as the primary fuel source, thus avoiding a wasted opportunity.

Other Hondas at Geneva:

A fully-functional Honda FCX Concept will be on display for the first time in Europe. The concept model features a newly-developed compact, high-efficient Honda FC Stack as well as a long-floor, low-riding, short-nose body. It offers a large, comfortable cabin and futuristic styling along with significant improvements in power output and environmental performance.

The FCX Concept has a range of 354 miles (Honda calculations when driven in LA4 mode) and a top speed limited to 100 mph. Limited marketing of a new fuel cell vehicle based on the FCX Concept model is to begin in Japan and the USA in 2008.

Diesel engine

Honda’s next-generation diesel engine uses world-first technology to reduce emissions to the same level of a petrol engine. A revolutionary catalytic converter reduces NOx emissions to a level that enables the engine to meet stringent US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Tier II/Bin 5 requirements.

The catalytic converter features an innovative system that uses the reductive reaction of ammonia to ‘detoxify’ oxides of nitrogen (NOx) by converting them into harmless nitrogen (N2). However, unlike Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems which use urea injection, Honda’s innovative technology uses ammonia generated within the catalytic converter.

Honda plans to introduce its next-generation diesel engine within three years.

Honda’s motorsport challengers

On public display for the first time will be the Honda Racing F1 Team’s brand new race car and Jenson Button’s new ride for the 2007 season, the RA107.

Also at the show is the Civic Type R race car. This motorsport-prepared car is being developed in close cooperation with Italy’s JAS Motorsport, aiming for success on Europe’s race and rally stages.

The car is being developed to Group N and Group A spec, as well as the new Group R specifications to be introduced in 2008.

Production models