Honda is reportedly developing a spiritual successor to the Honda Beat compact sports car that could go on sale late in 2013.
According to Auto Express in the UK, Japanese sources revealed the upcoming two-seat, front-wheel drive coupe would combine Honda’s car and motorcycle engineering know-how.
The new Beat will reportedly be built on the same platform as the CR-Z hybrid sports car, although it will feature shorter front and rear overhangs.
The styling is said to be influenced by the Honda OSM concept (pictured) that was unveiled at the 2008 London Motor Show.
The original Beat was produced in Japan at the beginning of the 1990s. Powered by a compact, tax-beating 660cc petrol engine, it was 3.3m long and featured a soft-folding roof.
The new hardtop model is expected to benefit from Honda’s new fuel efficient petrol engine range, sporting either a 1.3- or 1.5-litre unit teamed with stop-start technology.
The new Beat could also feature the brand’s first dual-clutch transmission for a car, borrowing technology from the motorcycle side of the business.
The 2013 Honda Beat would compete with the vehicles like the Mazda MX-5 and Renault Wind throughout Europe and the US, with a price of less than £20,000 ($30,500).
Do you think a reasonably priced two-seat coupe would work for Honda in Australia? With the exception of the Civic Type R, the current range lacks the spark of the 1990s when the Integra, Prelude, S2000 and NSX gave the brand a sporty reputation. Is Honda heading in the right direction with a vehicle like the Beat?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
