Honda presents 0 Saloon, 0 SUV prototypes at CES 2025

MANILA: Honda has presented the 0 Saloon and 0 SUV (sport utility vehicle) concept cars at the ongoing Consumer Electronics Show 2025. Both of which are powered by Asimo OS — the brand’s original vehicle operating system.

The two prototypes will enter production and are to be introduced to global markets next year.

0 Saloon

The Honda 0 Saloon prototype will be the flagship model of the brand’s 0 Series of emissions-free and smart vehicles. According to the Japanese carmaker, it is built on the marque’s dedicated electric vehicle (EV) architecture and will feature a number of next-generation technologies that embody the “Thin, Light, and Wise” approach.

Based on the photos shown by Honda, the 0 Saloon features a low height and sporty styling. With a body type similar to a Mobilio, it has the fascia of a sedan but has the rear end of a crossover or a multi-purpose vehicle.

On that note, one can expect it to have decent interior space thanks to the aforementioned body style. We also anticipate the production model’s cabin to be as futuristic as its exterior.

As to what technological features the Honda 0 Saloon aims to offer, the Tokyo-headquartered car manufacturer stated that the low-slung futuristic four-door looks to have Level 3 automated driving technology.

0 SUV

On the other hand, the Honda 0 SUV concept looks to propose a new value of EVs as a “space” for people that the brand will offer through its future electric models.

Looking at its photos, the mid-size SUV appears to have symmetrical and seamless dimensions with a bold yet minimal fascia. Striking also is its hind, which follows similar design cues as the aforementioned Honda 0 Saloon.

Some sporty elements can be found on the Honda 0 SUV, such as its protruding chin (front lip spoiler), the aerodynamic-looking wheels, and the housing of its rear end bumper-mounted lights or reflectors.

The mid-size SUV also follows Honda’s “Thin, Light, and Wise” approach and maximizes the model’s interior space by giving the occupants “an outstandingly clear and unrestricted field of view with great flexibility.”

One of its technological highlights is its altitude estimation and stabilization control through the use of three-dimensional gyro sensors.

Asimo OS

Per Honda, the 0 Saloon and 0 SUV — as well as succeeding models in the 0 Series — will be equipped with Asimo OS, the company’s aforementioned in-house operating software.

“Asimo was a humanoid robot capable of autonomous walking, developed as part of Honda fundamental technology research with the aim of helping people while coexisting with those in society. Honda began robotics research and development in 1986, and introduced Asimo in 2000, becoming an icon in the field of robotics from the 2000s through 2010s and loved by people all over the world,” the company wrote in a press release.

“Even after concluding development of Asimo, Honda has been further advancing its robotics technologies, including those that recognize external environments and autonomous behavior control enabling Asimo to understand the intentions of people around it. By combining such robotics technologies with advanced intelligence technologies for the Honda 0 Series, the company strives to offer a unique value for software defined vehicles,” it added.

As a software platform, Asimo OS will apply integrated control of electronic control units for vehicle systems and will be responsible for features like automated driving, advanced driver assistance systems, and the in-vehicle infotainment system.

That said, Honda’s Asimo OS will play a vital role in the interaction between the 0 Saloon as well as the 0 SUV and its occupants.

Further over-the-air updates will be made possible so owners can update the Asimo OS in the future, allowing them to keep their rides’ features and some Honda services to be up to date.

Targeted launch

Honda noted that it plans to launch the 0 Saloon next year. However, it did not specify when exactly in 2026. The roll out will begin in the North American market with other global markets — like Japan and Europe — following thereafter.

As for the Honda 0 SUV, the company stated that it will be introduced in the North American region in the first half of 2026, then in Japan and Europe.

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