Honda will reportedly develop a two-seat compact roadster, considered to be the successor of models like the Beat and the S800. Previous rumors suggested that the new Beat will be an open-top version of the hybrid CR-Z, but it turns out those rumors weren’t true. The new model will be built on an entirely new platform, will feature a mid-engine configuration, and a rear wheel drive system. Of course it will be offered at a very competitive price.
Produced from May 1991 to February 1996, the old Honda Beat was a model offered exclusively on the Japanese market (where the car qualified for large tax and regulations discounts), however, the new model will be offered all over the world.
The old-generation Beat was powered by a 656 cc engine with a maximum output of 47 kW. However, for the new model Honda will opt for a bigger engine because “sales of the new model are not limited this time just to the domestic market.”
The new Beat is expected to go on sale in both Europe and America by the end of 2014.
