2013 Shanghai Auto Show: Honda previews Concept M Minivan

Honda previewed its Concept M Minivan at the 2013 Shanghai Auto Show.  The Japanese automaker has said that the new very futuristic M concept has been designed specifically for China’s burgeoning MPV market. 

Although the Japanese automaker has not revealed any mechanical details about the car, we can be certain that the engine line up will include at least one turbocharged petrol version with Honda’s Earthdreams technology.

The Concept M looks roughly the same size as an Innova and is a seven-seater. The interiors follow the idea of plain design that has been combined with green LED ambient lighting and a touchscreen system that controls all the internal functions of the vehicle.

This is an MPV designed specifically for the Chinese market and so it has oodles of rear space. The second row captain seats can slide all the way to the position of the third row for increased leg room. Honda has confirmed that it aims to put the vehicle into production for the Chinese market by next year, obviously in a slightly toned down version.       

While this is car is specific to the Chinese market, Honda will launch a MUV in India based on the Brio platform. The Indian version will compete with the Maruti Ertiga and Mahindra Quanto on the pricing and will be powered by the 1.5-litre diesel engine unit from the Amaze.