In New York, Honda is invaded by robots

On 17 April at the New York auto show, there was a tense moment when the presenter at Honda’s press conference,
perhaps stricken by a case of public-speaking nerves, froze onstage. Then, on cue, he started dancing. For lack of new product to showcase, the star attraction at the Honda stand was Asimo, the latest evolution of Honda’s 110lb wonder in white. The sub-five-foot humanoid took to the stage, gesticulating with ease next to a flesh-and-blood spokesman for Honda Motor America. Asimo’s 14-year development period was time diligently
spent. It (he? she?) is now capable of communicating in American and Japanese sign language, and can move its arms and legs for the bemusement of overworked automotive journalists. Extra credit for the additional sensors and mechanical elements that allowed Asimo to move fingers individually, hop on one foot and dance with the nervous dexterity of a school prom attendee. The press conference also served as the visual
introduction and naming ceremony for the Honda HR-V, a version of the Vezel mini-crossover now on sale in Japan – although the model itself was absent. The HR-V will be based on the same chassis as the 2015 Fit , and will be assembled alongside the hatchback at Honda’s new
manufacturing facility north of Mexico City. Like the Jeep Renegade – which made its US debut here – outsize headlights and taillights, as well as hidden rear door handles, give the car big presence. No details were released about the HR-V’s actual dimensions or powertrain, but it’s a virtual given that the
car will raid the Fit bin, grabbing among other things its sibling’s 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine and continuously variable transmission.