Japan’s obsession with cute is well evidenced in the Honda PUYO. Resembling a box turtle in repose or a cartoon crab, Honda tells us the PUYO aches for cuddling. The goal in rendering the PUYO’s exterior was to create “a personable design with the feel of an adorable pet.” The name is Japanese onomatopoeia meant to convey “the sensation of touching the vehicle’s soft body,” Honda says. The “gel body” is not only nice to touch, it also promotes “greater, real-world safety,” Honda says. The boxy design is meant to supply maximum spaciousness, but the there are no sharp edges or corners, in keeping with the cuddly motif. Teeny wheels pivot independently and enable the car to turn 360 degrees, which is great for parallel parking. Lamborghini-style doors swing upward to open and provide access in tight parking spots. Technical features, such as a fuel-cell propulsion system notwithstanding, there’s an overriding emphasis on tactile sensation and people-car relations.

futuristic cars

front side

honda puyo

honda puyo interior