Yes, the concept does look stunning, and if that’s any indicator of what the eventual production car will look like, then Honda seem to have a winner. The five-door hatchback, according to its designers, has drawn inspiration from the CR-Z concept hybrid sports coupe, which in itself is quite stunning. The massively raked C-pillar may seem impractical in the concept, but the designers insist that they will try to retain as much of it as they can in the production car, since the C-pillar also incorporates the door handle. The bold grille, with its criss-cross pattern and the slightly oriental headlamps, seems like a mix of design cues from the Ridgeline and a new school of thought.

Keeping in tune with Honda’s philosophy of “Man Maximum, Machine Minimum”, the New Honda Small will be lightweight, dynamic and efficient, and the design language echoes just that. The strong character line running across its flanks helps liberate space and make it aerodynamic, while making the car rigid.

Honda didn’t give a peek into the interiors, but went only as far as to say that the interiors will be a reflection of the bold exteriors. Motive power might come from a 1.0-litre petrol engine with upwards of 70 bhp, while the 1.2-litre petrol mill from the Jazz could feature too at a later date.

Production will commence at its facilities at Noida, with an eventual shift to its plant at Alwar in Rajasthan being highly likely. Honda haven’t spoken much about its price or positioning, but we guess it will be a competitor to the likes of the Hyundai i10 Kappa and Ritz, but with a more premium pricing than either of the two. It will roll-out by August 2011. Let the games begin!