Reports coming from Japan indicate that Honda is bringing back the Beat, to create a proper rival for Mazda MX-5.
While the original Beat of the 90s was a small 3.3 meter drop-top roadster with a 660cc engine, the new Beat will be based on the underpinnings of the CR-Z hybrid. It’ll be more like the OSM concept of 2008, pictured here, in size and according to the report it’ll feature the best of Honda’s car and motorcycle technologies for a perfect sportscar. That said, it is apparently front-wheel-drive.
Engine-wise, the car will get either the 1.3 or 1.5-litre advanced VTEC, with start/stop system, and it’ll be fitted with Honda’s first dual-clutch gearbox adopted from VFR1200F motorcycle.
Expect to see the new Beat in 2013 with a price tag of under £20,000.
