Forgotten studies: Honda EP-X (1991)

The super-efficient 2.4-litre coupé had an engine with 70 PS

Honda EP-X Concept (1991)

Photo by: Honda

By: Alberto Carmone

Published by: Brian Potter

Nov 2, 2024 at 4:19am ET

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Do you remember the Honda Insight? The first generation with the disguised rear wheels was a competitor to the Toyota Prius from 1999 to 2006 and one of the first and very few models (like the Prius) to have a full hybrid engine. Of the approximately 12,000 units produced, around 100 vehicles were delivered to German dealers for presentation purposes in 2000. Officially, this low-energy vehicle was not offered on the German market.

Like the Toyota, the Insight was also a pioneer of the technology and the second generation was also sold in Europe between 2009 and 2013. But how did the idea for the Insight come about? From this bizarre Honda concept car.

A featherweight

Unveiled at the 29th Tokyo Motor Show in 1991, the Honda EP-X was described by the company as a "design study intended to represent respect for the environment". The name stands for "Efficient Personal eXperimental", and many of its features were utilised a decade later in the first-generation Honda Insight (1999 - 2006).

Honda EP-X Concept (1991)

The two-seater had an aluminium monocoque body, which made it extremely light. In fact, the Honda weighed only 620 kg, although at 3.70 metres it was as long as a modern Fiat Panda. However, its width and height of just 1.50 metres and 1.24 metres respectively were astonishing.

Maximum efficiency

But how did the EP-X manage to accommodate two people in such a small space? Through a tandem configuration in which the front passenger sat behind the driver. As with all coupés, there were two doors, while the rear glass roof could be opened to facilitate access to the boot (or serve as an "emergency exit").

The dashboard was simple in design and featured a liquid crystal display, a technical innovation at the time.

Honda Insight (1999)

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Under the bonnet was a 1.0-litre three-cylinder VTEC-E engine with variable valve timing, which was "trimmed" for maximum fuel consumption. With an output of 70 PS, this Honda achieved a record-breaking fuel consumption of 2.38 litres per 100 km (118.7 mpg-UK).

In short, there was a lot of innovation in this Honda. In fact, it was a laboratory on wheels, with several concepts that found their way into production models in later years.

More Honda blasts from the past:

Honda HP-X Supercar Concept: Forgotten wedge revived

The Honda Spocket Concept was a hybrid sports car with a truck bed

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