2009 Tokyo Show Live: Honda's Skydeck Concept Hints at Future Compact Minivan

The Tokyo Show marked the world debut of Honda's Skydeck concept, a 6-seater hybrid minivan with Lamborghini-style front doors and a pair of sliding doors at the back. While the people-carrier is way too advanced to go into production as is, it's styling, which follows a similar design language to the CR-Z Hybrid sports coupe that also premiered at the Tokyo show, may very well inspire a next-generation compact MPV model from the Japanese automaker.

Another significant feature of the Skydeck study is that like the FCX Clarity, which houses the fuel-cell stack in the center tunnel to make the most of space, the Skydeck utilizes the tunnel to accommodate the key hybrid components, including the high-power battery. Until now, Honda has stored the battery of its production hybrid models under the boot or behind rear seats.

This particular packaging, which may be used by Honda on its next-generation hybrid models, is said to give the Skydeck greater cabin space and the room for three rows of two seats as well as lowering the car's centre of gravity.

All Images Shot by our Tokyo Motor Show man, Phil Alex