The recently concluded Japan Mobility Show 2025 gave us a peek into Honda’s plans for the near future. As Toshihiro Mibe, President and CEO of Honda Motor Co., Ltd., took the stage, there was a buzz of anticipation as the crowd was eager to hear about the brand’s direction, particularly when it comes to electrification.
Two things were clear – Honda intends to stand by its goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 and the brand, with its next generation vehicles, intends to provide its customers with the “joy of driving,” an uplifting feeling of excitement and exhilaration. Both notions were apparent given Honda’s showcase.
Honda 0 Series
During a roundtable discussion with the media, Toshihiro Mibe admitted that EV development globally has considerably slowed down. While projections may have been a bit off, Honda still plans to push BEVs as these will be significant movers in their quest for carbon neutrality.
In comes the Honda 0 Series, which took the main stage at the mobility show. The Honda 0 Saloon and Honda 0 SUV were already previously unveiled earlier this year with both seemingly quite close to being production-ready.
The real star of the show was the prototype of the Honda 0 α (alpha), which is touted as the “gateway model” of the Honda 0 Series. The exterior is both sleek and sophisticated, while maintaining that futuristic aesthetic that is consistent with the other vehicles in the lineup.
Global sales for the Honda 0 α will begin sometime in 2027, mainly in Japan and India. While there are no specifics regarding the timeline here in the Philippines, it’s clear that HCPI intends to bring the 0 Series to our shores, particularly the Honda 0 α.
Honda Super-ONE Prototype
At first glance, the Honda Super-ONE appears to be a kei car prototype that Honda is working on. Nobody would blame you for thinking so with its small and boxy proportions. However, there definitely is more than meets the eye with the Super-ONE.
For one, this compact EV has Boost Mode which increases its power output and allows for sharp acceleration. While Honda hasn’t released any figures, the significant increase in power definitely goes beyond that of kei car regulation.
I had the privilege of testing the Super-ONE out at Honda’s proving grounds in Tochigi, and boy, can this thing take off. It surprisingly takes corners really well too. Apart from the Boost Mode, the Super-ONE is equipped with Honda S+ Shift which simulates a gearshift feel, stimulating the driver’s senses through auditory, visual and physical feedback.
The Honda Super-ONE Prototype is one of these vehicles that really makes you feel what Honda is trying to achieve with the “joy of driving.” The delegates of the Philippine media almost unanimously agree that this would be a great car to bring into the Philippine market, although there was no confirmation from any HCPI executives.
Honda Prelude
Without a shadow of a doubt, the Honda Prelude was the crowd favorite. While it isn’t necessarily a new generation Prelude, the iconic nameplate does make a return in the form of a hybrid specialty sports model.
Just like the Super-ONE, the Honda Prelude is a perfect representation of the brand’s goals of working towards carbon neutrality and capturing the “joy of driving.” It shares the same hybrid powertrain as that of the e:HEV Civic, while the chassis is derived from that of the Civic Type-R, but is tuned for a better balance of sporty handling and usability. Furthermore, Honda S+ Shift actually made its debut on the Honda Prelude.
The Honda Prelude already started selling in Japan back in September of this year. But maybe it’s time to start saving as HCPI has confirmed that the vehicle will be making its way to the Philippines sometime next year, with there yet to be an official word on the price.
Embracing an electrified future
Honda did have other vehicles showcased during the mobility show such as the Acura RSX Prototype, the EV Outlier motorcycle concept, and even the Honda Jet. But for me, the vehicles previously mentioned are an accurate representation of the brand’s short-to-long term goals.
It is clear that the carmaker has shifted its focus on electric mobility, particularly in hybrids for the short-to-medium term, and EVs for the long term. With the growing demand for HEVs and EVs in the country, there is much to look forward to with the likes of the 0 Series, the Prelude, and the next-generation hybrids landing in the Philippine market.
