Fiat 500 & Mini Cooper Designer Reacts To The Honda e

[@FrankStephensondesign]

Hi everyone! A lot of people have commented asking me to take a look at this design so here we are! What are your thoughts on the Honda e? Do you have any other designs you'd like me to take a look at? If so, leave a comment below. Please make sure you subscribe and hit the bell notification because you are not going to want to miss next weeks episode 😉

[@yardencohen3863]

Hi frank first of all thank you so much for sharing this awesomeness of a content with us the viewers👍🏻😍🚘 and honestly i am really excited and anticipating your future video about the mighty mclaren p1 🙏🏻😁 Has to a conspet design car I am interested to hear your thoughts on the genesis essentia from 2018 meybe.. Anyway I'm sure someone in the comments below will come up with an interesting car.. best of wishes. thenkes

[@Mystipaoniz]

Hi, i wouldn't mind hearing your thoughts about...hmmm...the Austin Healey 3000Mk2, that i love since i'm a child ^^. Or Mercedes 540K. Maybe the Ferrari 288 GTO. Most recent one that i adore the most, the Pagani Huayra. I don't know there are so many ^^. Whatever the car is fine by me, i'm drinking what i hear anyway ^^ Thanks for the videos, it's just awesome.

[@deyannikolov893]

I've never subscribed so quickly! Thank you for your amazing insight and sharing your thoughts on your own designs as well as other concepts. I was wondering, what do you think about the VW ID 3 and the new VW hippie van? I guess in the next 5-10 years VW is going to flood the market with the ID series and we'll be seeing them a lot...

[@Rafael47936]

It would be interesting to see you react to "ugly" cars like the Fiat Multipla or Pontiac Aztek.

[@thomaswilson9661]

I'd love to hear what you have to say about the new Bronco

[@FairladyS130]

Honda desperately needed something like this, their 'styling' has been super fussy for a while now.

[@crinacIe]

And with the breakthrough of both Korean Manufacturers, They need something to counter that asap.

[@flyingdutchman773]

it's true, hard to love their current designs, too busy

[@mangotail6808]

I saw one in blue roaming around just recently. It sure has a very nice charm to it, it stands out.

[@jamesdellaneve9005]

Agreed. Way too busy. I like this new car. Almost 1960’s.

[@blobba5442]

actually honda has been producing lots of clean models for a while now, you just don't know them, like Honda n-wgn, honda n-one, honda mobilio-spike, honda elysion just to name a few. Just because you don't like the look of a few doesn't mean you can generalise a whole car make with their design language as 'busy'. i love it that they are trying out new design languages.

[@ccwnyc5671]

"I wish I had one." says it all. They accomplish that. And he's right, Hondas are way to busy and loaded with fake intakes and unnecessary chamfers.

[@ismailsdaissa6205]

i'd love to have this man as my professor in all subjects.

[@dragospahontu]

Xd ikr

[@hamskyxxx]

I very much agree with you. His experience speaks volume.

[@MrBatriste]

Knowledge, passion and well-spoken.

[@fahmiperwira]

hadn't crossed my mind, yet I realized it now. he speaks passion in every word he said.

[@adamkija6895]

He could talk about ANYTHING and id not understand a thing but id listen

[@Obi-WanKannabis]

The best marketing a car can have is looking good. Everytime you pass by a car that looks stunning you notice it. Every time I walk past a fiat 500 I just have to look at it. It looks perfect. And thats the same style Honda nailed with this car.

[@pawelzietek]

Never thought about it this way but it's so true. With cars the looks are the most evident advertisement of the car itself. Which makes it kind of baffling why most of the brand's today offer colours that are simply boring (with few exceptions, Mazda comes to mind). Fiat 500 is such a great example, how long has it been since it came out? 10 years? Maybe even more. Stil looking at it every time one passes nearby.

[@Obi-WanKannabis]

@@pawelzietek Yep, it just brightens your day a little bit every time you see one and makes you wanna get one.

[@BALLOTELLIAGUER]

Yeah for me thats why i like Lexus so much. Their cars have a unique and, in my opinion, amazing design.

[@Tom_Hadler]

Pawel Zietek It's also stupid that they charge so much more for the best colours. Company cars don't pay it. Most people don't pay the extra, and the car is defined by being only seen in 3 dull colours. Such a shame.

[@pawelzietek]

@@Tom_Hadler that's also a great point. You want me to pay 800€ extra for a colour that would make your car stand out more thus catch some potential buyer's attention that would only benefit you as a company? Well, forget it, I'm getting the free of charge white. Never thought about but it's all adds up. You want people to buy your car? Make all the visual bells and whistles a default. Then charge extra for interior and additional tech.

[@rezaismailmuzakkir587]

Seeing the Suzuki Jimny, Honda E, then the Ford Bronco kinda shows the direction of design trends is going for classic and retro looking simple styled products in the upcoming years.

[@jorge8596]

Also the Ferrari Roma

[@bobnine]

That's not a very intelligent opinion because you used the adjective "retro" /s 😂

[@gotthefeelin]

History repeating itself. This was the design direction for many models in the 2000s. I think this will be a niche trend.

[@fmonk]

You said "retro". Tsk. Tsk. Tsk.

[@gotthefeelin]

The proportions hark back to the 1970s, and the wooden dashboard. The overall look reminds me of Japanese robots, especially the ones Sony made a few years back.

[@Tom_Hadler]

"It looks like a car" Frank Stephenson, 2020 I agree with the appraisal; thought it had icon potential when I first saw the concept. Reminiscent of a Golf to me. A strong, pure design.

[@Neojhun]

That's sadly because some vehicles do not look like cars anymore.

[@joshuabenjaminscott2365]

I don't think so. It reminds me of the Hondas in 80s.

[@roy7602]

Have you looked up the first gen Civic from '72? The Honda E's design pays tribute to that car, not the Golf.

[@Tom_Hadler]

r Oy Sorry for not knowing all the cars. I've just looked it up and compared with mk1 golf. I think the statement could apply equally to both. I was just making the point that the design is distinctive

[@roy7602]

@@Tom_Hadler No probleme man! It's all cool. I just looked it up as well, and the Civic came out 2-3 years before the first golf came out. I just wanted to clarify that Honda is paying tribute to Honda, not to old VWs. Also, the "golf-ish" design of the Honda E and the first Golf itself are closely modeled after the first Civic, that's is all. So if someone is "inspired" by some one else's design, it's VW copying Honda's homework.

[@Jorcap]

Your channel popping up is the best thing in 2020 so far

[@FrankStephensondesign]

Thank you

[@unixbash]

Would love to see a video review of the Porsche Taycan design!

[@huntermacdonald6431]

The concept was a 9/10 and production was meh

[@gold333]

Yeah, I don’t know why he reviews these obscure cars that kind of look dull.

[@automobilestories7200]

@@gold333 in which way do a Taycan look dull ( special in the real life ), a VW golf maybe look dull , but a Taycan , really ?

[@automobilestories7200]

@@IzajResGS I don't think so but you can decide what your opinion is .

[@elqyanoesquia6877]

Yes

[@aaronbiggin1103]

I would say this is a timeless design unlike most cars made now.

[@SlayerArmavir]

I think what we really want to see is, your reaction to tesla cybertruck))

[@automobilestories7200]

could be interesting

[@napoleonicwarsonline]

Good idea. Would be interested in that

[@19jacobob93]

Worst piece of design this decade... Would definitely be interesting!

[@brois841]

@@19jacobob93 disagree that it's worst. It's very different and in a very industrial/functional sort of way. It's the only way Tesla can bend that SS alloy. I have no idea how the market will receive it, but I'm looking forward to getting one ;)

[@19jacobob93]

@@brois841 I agree it looks industriall, and after hearing him speak about the design (or lack of) himself I kind of get it in a way, I think he just grew up seeing the 70s/80s futurist designs and was obviously inspired by his childhood. It's definitely not a functional design though, it actually eats away at a lot of the practicality

[@darkbrisco]

I love that he has designed some of the most iconic vehicles out there but still approaches his craft as both a teacher and student of it. That's what separates him from most. Always learning. Always appreciative. Still a kid fascinated with cars.

[@Evan1527]

This is one of the most beautiful cars ever, completely felt in love with it as soon as I saw it.

[@automobilestories7200]

mee 2 , that is a icon look

[@elukok]

Look at the original prototype and you will hate it since this is super dumbed down version of the original design - i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/c_scale,f_auto,fl_progressive,pg_1,q_80,w_1600/o8utvhn8bdearkgsdxbb.png Makes me sad.

[@haveyouseenitthough]

elukok personally I prefer the production model. Concept cars are cool but the designs rarely look good for long. This car gives me a feeling that’s familiar to older models from the 20th century which the concept doesn’t

[@automobilestories7200]

elukok Yes , I understand this is a big change but at least they did it , a few brand just let they great ideas chill and don’t use them after the concept car

[@humushumus2219]

I agree, both interior an exterior. Fantastic!

[@halcyonactual7602]

I love the direction Honda took with this car, I hope they do it on their other models as well. It's tough to find some car that's good to look at today, when every car is trying to look like a fighter jet.

[@ThePolandball]

Couldn't agree with Frank more on the points made about this car's aesthetic versus Honda's current look (which is frankly trash). A rare moment of needed simplicity for Honda's design language.

[@kasso_jp]

I think the design of the car is based on the chengyu from China; "温故知新(on-co-chi-shin)" means "Visit old (and) know new." Because its really looks alike 1st Gen Civic, but everything is different. I'm surprised that you said same thing.👍 Hope to see more videos😄 Regards, from Japan😉

[@tomasrandom6430]

I can not be happier that people like you are coming to youtube. Your porfolio is just breathtaking!

[@stubbarn]

As a young boy I would climb into the back of my dad’s first gen civic which this car takes inspiration from. In my late teens, it was also the first car I drove when he taught me to drive. The 1.2L engine was economical, torquey and quiet even by today’s standards and outlasted the rusting chassis. One point to note is the interior’s design elements also pay homage to the gen 1 civic. Thank you for the review Frank. This new Honda e brings back those memories and I would want this too and give my son the same experience.

[@matmul4850]

Wonder if he got to see the concept car. That looked really amazing.

[@imakro69]

It was an instant boner down when they released the production car, as much as I WANTED the concept, as much the real one looks very cheap and small

[@matmul4850]

@@imakro69 It was a bummer when the production car came out but I'm over it now and think it still looks great like this.

[@nigelr3628]

I really can't like it after seeing the concept car

[@captainzoll3303]

​@@matmul4850 call me crazy, but I think this is a rare case where the production model looks better than the concept. subdued, modest proportions lend themselves well to the simplistic, "cute" design features. compared to the urbanEV concept, in which the lower graphics make the car look disproportionately wide, and something about the scale of the wheels compared to the rest of the car makes it look kind of bulky. I definitely like the wheel design, and if they made a type-R variant or something, the larger wheels could almost work in that context. in fact, if they do make the sports EV concept a reality, that's the sort of car where having larger wheels would work (especially considering the large looking wheels on the original S800 coupe).

[@imakro69]

@@captainzoll3303 well that's precisely what we loved, big wheels, simplistic classic lines and proportions of big delta integrale or wrc mini cooper, the single case of modern design where it's both projecting something powerful and yet welcoming. The production car just looks like a cute little entry level car, the kind of you buy when you just got your driving licence. Other thing is interior styling, wtf, it looked so promising, with wooden simple lines, this huge uninterrupted space and yet they made it yet another blend car when it reached production floor

[@sight4sound]

Great to hear someone talk about design in an accessible way. Really enjoyed the commentary.

[@MrSaemichlaus]

It is so relaxing on the eye. It's simply a compact, even cute car, it doesn't pressure any emotions onto you, it simply invites you to ride along and have a day without trouble.

[@nova3530onyt]

I'd just like to thank you for being such a huge inspiration to me. As a young Architect, I absolutely admire your work in your field. Bless you.

[@JJ-lq1lg]

honda used to do simple really well, always loved the design of the first gen tsx/accord euro. Started to get more complicated with the second gen

[@lowbudgetmotorsport4112]

And then there's the new Civic Type R 🤣🤣🤣 I mean what in the Hell is up with that whole car. Doesn't matter which end you look at, the design of the entire car is a total mess. The regular Civic doesn't get a free pass either. And I'm saying this as a die hard Honda fan. I think they need to keep the sharp lines, and "fighter jet style" angled looks to Lamborghini. That style works so much better on those cars, and not on anything Honda makes.

[@BigB848484]

Oh it is so weird what you said about the driving position. Everyone seems to prefer higher driving positions nowadays, but to me it always feels weird especially in smaller cars. Even if the car has a good suspension and can stick to the road well, I personally always feel uncomfortable on those positions, because I always have a feeling that its going to tip over, if I take a corner a bit faster.

[@intravenousradio]

I too prefer a more traditional lower driving position. I drive a 2018 civic hatch

[@patrick.771]

I preferred the design of the Honda E prototype. It was a bit more "square" and that looked better in my opinion. Now the front is too much rounded.

[@KrakenUnleashed]

old fashioned modern look, I like it, it's like back to golden age of car (I mean when they were fun to drive and all) with modern tech !

[@xpisode]

LOL Your reaction to the "text message sound" is hilarious! I am really enjoying your reaction videos and How I design series. Thanks for sharing!

[@mawortz]

I never cared about cars too much, but for some reason I keep coming back to this channel

[@Hopscotchlemonadespritz]

Frank predominantly speaks using design-oriented language. Anyone who's stopped to enjoy a sunlit mountain scene, a generations-old building or swish modern chair may appreciate this approach. He doesn't alienate by using gearhead terminology.

[@iFuff]

I love how you value a design which is lovable and friendly. I really like my small citroën c3 because it looks like a friendly face from all angles

[@haze1123]

This clean, simple exterior design is reminiscent of 1970s Datsun designs. Like the Bluebird and 510. Also strong cues from the first Honda CVCC, of course. I love it. So much better than other current Honda designs.

[@leksasdf]

When it came out I got reminded of the 1981 Honda City (Turbo) kei car, now I see the first gen civic too, that's great. Great vid as always, love how even the Japanese can now design an eco car that doesn't look like a prius!

[@CJ_102]

So refreshing listening to an experienced design professional. My industry is unber dry and its fun learning design his design language.

[@dragospahontu]

I like Honda's normal cars design, but the only a year thing is so true.

[@hendrikschuch]

i dont think so

[@dragospahontu]

@@hendrikschuch they look good but if Frank says they won't age well I can see that. I own a 2018 Civic btw

[@hendrikschuch]

@@dragospahontu Congratulations, good choice You know, he said "too many lines" and stuff, but that's exactly whats the good thing, they don't look like every other car nowadays. Look at the german brands, they look all the same. Even an Audi from 2005 looks still ugly as hell and almost nothing has changed, because there is no enthusiasm and heart in the designs. I tell you in ten years your Civic will still look cool.

[@dragospahontu]

@@hendrikschuch that's why I got the civic for the looks, and most importantly that second to none gearbox

[@hendrikschuch]

@@dragospahontu Honda is doing really good right now, even the new Jazz is a good car. It has not the best design, but it looks different, it's practical, a full hybrid and it's not that expansive.

[@14KShadow]

I hope they release a "type-R" version that's much closer to their concept design. It had a much larger presents

[@rosstee]

Everybody likes larger presents 😉

[@fex144]

I've had a hard time pin-pointing what it was I don't like about the current line-up of Hondas: - - "Their designs on the road today are extremely busy looking" - - Exactly. Thank you! Now I know what it is.

[@TibzzTube]

I don't really get the whole "it's not a retro design" statement. If you design something to look like a modern/futuristic version of an old product how is it not retro styled? If it took one or two design elements I would agree with you but it takes much more from the Civic, almost to the point where you could say it's not a completely original design.

[@Mystipaoniz]

it's not retro because it's futuristic. If it's futuristic, it's not retro obviously ^^ He said that "retro" would mean "going backwards", which is not the case at all here. I agree with this. Not because he's a designer, but because it's common sense to me ^^ Hope you understand what i mean. That's what i understood from what he said. ;)

[@TibzzTube]

@@Mystipaoniz that makes no sense. It is retro-futuristic, if you look at something and can see so many elements from an old design then there is a retro component to it. And it is absolutely going back, if they didn't go back then they wouldn't make it look like a 50 year old Civic. There is nothing wring with that buy saying it's not retro makes no sense to me.

[@Mystipaoniz]

@@TibzzTube okay why would you ask a question if you KNOW the answer.... Dude...you don't even understand his point.

[@TibzzTube]

@@Mystipaoniz I am asking because I don't get what he's trying to say when he says it's not retro. What is his point other than saying "calling it retro is the less intelligent way".

[@Mystipaoniz]

@@TibzzTube i was trying to explain it to you but you said it makes no sense so i don't know what to tell you i'm sorry. Even if it's inspired of an old car design, the result is futuristic. That's not retro. It's fu-tu-ris-tic. Whatever you want to call that idea doesn't change the fact that the design is futuristic. A retro design would mean doing a design but with retro design ideas. If you would do that and show it to someone, that person would think that the car really is from the 70's or whatever year. Show this new Honda to someone, there is 99% of chance that the person would recognise it as a modern design. Also, it's difficult to create something really new. Almost all designs are inspired by older ones. Maybe not that obviously as this Honda, but still. It's not only valid for car designs but in art in general i think. Hope that is more clear. That's my take on what he's saying, after thinking about it. I may be wrong but my point is still valid to me ^^ Cheers

[@nicholasstocker8864]

The name is coincidentally the reaction I made when I first saw this car. EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE… IT’S SO CUTE!!!

[@TeachingYouExcel]

Hi Frank can you do a recommended reading list for budding designer.

[@MichaelMikify]

This car brings me back to the robot that honda made a little while ago

[@gbw4908]

This legend designed every single legendary car I looked at growing up, good lord

[@barry_crisp]

I love this car and I love this video, great stuff Frank, I can't wait to see more.

[@bobnine]

Retro doesn't mean going backwards, it's short for retrospective, which is to look back on or review past designs and take inspiration from them.

[@gotthefeelin]

Exactly, VERY surprised to hear that Frank was unsure about this in the video. One could argue that the BMW Mini was an almost direct replacement for the original Mini, therefore wasn't retro. However, his design for the Fiat 500 came decades after the original and was clearly based on the original car, so no question a retro design.

[@MeteoraEra]

The way you analyze designs and describe your vision and understanding on it is magnificent. You're awesome

[@FrankStephensondesign]

Thank you

[@tinydiccbandito4953]

I just got accepted to industrial design in acadamey of fine arts. I'm super pumped. Just wanted to share it, feel free to ignore haha

[@Mystipaoniz]

Well, it's great! Happy for you stranger of the internet ^^

[@tinydiccbandito4953]

@@Mystipaoniz Oh, well thank you 😄

[@agneyajoshi8012]

I too am happy for you, stranger on the internet. how is it going?

[@chrislox1]

As a lover of cars and design, these videos are gold. Please do the ND MX-5 and the LC500. Nice one Frank 👍

[@Kerhuz]

This car is absolutely beautiful! I saw one literally months ago on the road while driving (must have been in testing or some review or whatever) and i just had to slow down near the guy and do a thumbs up. It was the white version, which to me is the car's natural color. I knew it just had to be some sort of new honda EV just a couple of seconds after i saw it from like 200 meters away. That design is just soooo good and so clever. If Honda sticks to this design language, they are going places. If they instead go back to the fugly frantic civic crap they have been interested in designing (same for Toyota and many many other car makers from japan that release over complicated ugly desgned cars with like a gazillion different lines) then they are going nowhere.

[@shankarbalan3813]

This is a real pretty car. Just the perfect perfect design for our times. I wish they would launch it in India.

[@amaandadan446]

Its absolutely perfect for india

[@macmaccourt]

My first car was exactly like the Honda Civic Hatchback that was shown, correcting the term "Retro." The Honda e, is a fun take on Honda design, and the round headlights really catch my eye. It would be a really fun addition to the growing chain of Honda ownership I've had. 13 and counting with a 1999 Honda Civic Si that has 360K miles on her! Good design breakdown, Frank! I am really really enjoying these videos and look forward to more! Oh! It would cool to see you pick out your favorite classic sports car designs of your choice from the 60s, 70s, 80s. :)

[@cartercallaway3747]

Love your videos! You think you could do a video of redesigning the Dodge Viper? One of my favorite cars ever, and I’d love to see you’re take on it!

[@avtomad722]

Great review, it really is something special this Honda, and fantastic to see that this great company can actually get back to decent design. The last decade for Honda really has been dreadful, with over-fussy designs that have little or no cohesion. This shows how simplicity can be done in an eye-catching way, love it!

[@kevinn1158]

I think people look at this and think retro because many of the forms, and the lines inside remind people of old radios, stereos... even that unit under the dash looks like it's a old after market stereo. The lines are straight and simple. Like in the 80’s when manufacturing probably held back the orgy of design we see now. Remember those old after market stereos Frank?? from the 70s? But somehow this car is still very progressive and modern. I love this car!

[@maxaoa6768]

This car looks like it has a spirit and can make bond with its driver. They nailed it. it may look simple but has alot more character than most new cars on today’s roads. Gives me retro feelings and innovative technology vibes at the same time. There are just few things I would like to change. For example, the car look like plastic toy when every material has gloss paint. And black thing on the hood doesnt fit in my opinion. But I really love this style of futurism here. I like the word “retro” by the way. Because there are things in the past that was actually good, and could be perfect when mixed with other good things from future :)

[@vortifyne]

Just for the people wondering, the intro and background music is "Jincheng Zhang - Cow I Love You (Instrumental Version) (Official Audio)"

[@rainCZ]

Honda E looks amazing I liked all the old Hondas - Civic, Integra or S2k looked simple and fun, the new cars are trying too hard to look aggresive.

[@thatopendiffdude9109]

Late 80s, 90s and early 00s were the best era

[@lordflufffluff]

Even the Mazda Miata is trying to look aggressive now. It doesn't look as cute anymore.

[@richardhunt809]

Absolutely agree. I love how the front and rear lights actually look like they belong on the same car.

[@davids1816]

Hey Mr. Stephenson, you clearly have a lot of experience and have done some really successful designs in your career. I'd suggest, assuming you've got the ambition with your channel, that you reach out to some people you know or some companies when you look at a design. Particularly since Honda is getting so much praise in this review, I bet they'd drop a car off at your house for you to go over and film. You probably could incorporate some CAD design works or edits to your reviews (the monochrome touch up on the Honda hit hard!). I watch a few other designers, artists who tinker around in car design who aren't nearly as accomplished as you but on the technical level of KZbin making - could probably help get you to the next level with your channel. Thanks for the interesting content and some beautiful cars over the years.

[@Mishkafofer]

I miss Honda Civic 2002 sedan. What a great design it was.

[@sdevfit]

I don't think, "It can only be a Honda". I reminds me of the first VW Golf". But other than that, its a great design review.

[@paulelverstone8677]

This is a good one because, normally, stunning design follows the supercar and not a two-box city car. Looks a little bit like the lost lovechild of a VW Up and Honda's S800 but no bad thing for that. The design is super clean apart from the door pylons/buds/whatever which I presume to be cameras for rear view. They look like an afterthought. If you were to do cams for wing-mirrors then there are tidier solutions than this, I'm sure...

[@Sharpened_Spoon]

"it could only be a honda" But it looks just like a VW Lupo! Loved that car, the simplicity of it's lines still looks great today.

[@MroStudios]

I fell in love with this thing at first sight.

[@SoCalFreelance]

And in addition to the design accolades there are many positive aspects to the driving experience. It's an electric so it has a very peppy feel to it, you actually have fun zipping around city centers. It also has one of the best, if not the best, turning radius's which again makes it a delight in urban environments.

[@tonyalvarado4810]

Hello Frank. Love your channel with your legacy and contributions to the car design world are amazing. I did have an issue with the "calling something retro is going backwards". I think you offered your opinion on the "retro concept", but any new car design that takes it's cues from a previous era, is in fact making a retro design. The Mini cooper that you design was literally taking an old desing and updating while still making it look similar enough to not confuse it with other cars. That is the purest definition of a retro design. We understand that everything involved is new, but the way it looks, borrows from the past.

[@FrankStephensondesign]

Thanks for the input Tony. I can’t completely agree as, following that logic, I can still recognise the influence of the original 356 design in Porsche’s newest 911 shape, a car I would definitely not deem to be retro. Both the MINI and the 911 are evolutionary design approaches. We as humans are not retro “designs” of Homo erectus.

[@signorpippistrello]

It quite caught my eye I must say. I had it stand around at my corner for a week or two recently. Always the latest rides here as a guy across the street is obviously some kind of car tester. Nice job by the way, I really enjoy watching your videos. If you wanna go slightly off topic one day do one on Giorgetto Giugiaro‘s failed designer noodle!

[@makscelhar5244]

Thanks for kicking off with this Channel Frank! I stumbled across this by chance and binge watched all videos:) Love the simple design of both this car's exterior and interior. When I first saw it couldn't help noticing some parallels with the Mk 1 Golf, especially the round headlights. I would appreciate if you ever had the chance to review the currently outgoing Alfa Romeo range, maybe the Giulia. It seems like a design to please the masses and sell rather than designed for purist beauty lovers and alfistas. Keen to hear your thoughts.

[@nanotech2080]

This is the first electric car of such size that I could consider buying for city use and not be embarrassed to be seen in it.

[@sun_of_a_gun]

Speaking about simplification of the design. One day I went to the Peugeot dealer to see the brand new 508, which I think is really outstanding. Directly from the Peugeot dealer I went to the Alfa's one in the neighborhood to see the new Giulia. My first impression: compared to 508, Giulia is so simple, nothing spectacular. I love Alfas but even I had a thought that perhaps "it makes no sense to pay even more for less". Of course I realized that it was a trap. I think in 10 years those two designs will get old in very different ways. Still would be interesting to hear some more opinions.

[@johnwilliammaxwell5044]

I love the mix of your own designs and your thoughts on other designs. Great content overall.

[@wranglercycling6420]

Love his humbleness...!! Great episode....!!

[@owensmith7530]

I either want a Honda E with at least twice the range, or a Frank Stephenson era Mini Electric with sufficient range for my needs (140 miles at 70mph so say at least 200 miles the way range is quoted). Until something like that is available, I'll keep driving my 2002 Mini Cooper S - designed by Frank of course and it still looks great.

[@itxofficial8281]

Finally, a designer who calls out this stupid word that has absolutely no place in car designs!! Imho, "retro" is getting used waaaaay too often nowadays, and people seem to forget what it actually stands for!

[@OsborneCox.69.420]

Frank - everyone loves these videos. please, extend some of your upcoming videos by 8-10 minutes! the more detail and history you’re able to tell us the better! cheers!

[@filipepinto4361]

Could you do a video about the design of the new Lexus LC convertible? I’m really curious about what you think of it

[@richardmollberg3096]

It looks friendly without any kitsch or bubbelgum design. Flawless. But do I want this to be the new standard for coming Golf, Yaris and Focus? There is a implicit statement to be different, a little nerdy, but it makes me happy.

[@raoulmori7102]

Love the video! idk about "it could only be a Honda" I have the feeling Volkswagen could easily release something of the sort, although they've been straying off of that styling for a few decades, the Beatle pretty much being the only survivor.

[@Afrykass]

Company owned by the same guy as mine making carpets to this car :) I saw the carpets before global debut of this car. Nice feeling!

[@Android-vk8yh]

This car made an impact at the shows and in its production which is some doing in today's markets. You have to applaud Honda for being bold and different I like their busy designs shows they make a statement to be different not the same boring designs that some of the BMWs and Audis have that look the same for 20 years. Every Civic has its own identity and is timeless to the people that like the shape of the car I have a 2007 Civic Type-R when it came out in 2006 it made a massive impact on the shows with the exterior and interior and it still does now.

[@michaelnotigan7796]

I love it. It's the antithesis of current Honda "let's design cars with the face of a yellow jacket hornet look" design. Almost as if a Ralph Gillies, Freeman Thomas or Ed Welborn designed it. Or for that matter, Mr Frank Stephenson, for I see that familiar rear flared arch above the rear tire which immediately draws me to my own 2013 Fiat 500 Abarth. A pity that it will not be sold in US Honda dealerships. Subscribed! Your talk with Harry over at Harry's Garage brought me here. As for future design reviews, how about a look at the current Challenger, Camaro and Mustang? And of course, I'l love to hear your thoughts on the C8 Corvette Stingray.

[@markobjelanovic5444]

I get the point of saying that taking inspiration from an old design to create something new isn't 'retro' design. But using most of the major design features of an original idea as a base point is 'retro' in my opinion.

[@lennartstip6395]

Great video as always! The car is great looking. It looks new and like the future while it still has some element that make me love small 90s cars so much. I hope this simple design is the future and we move away from the over designed cars with more lines than a notebook :)

[@jim_bocho]

Thanks for the insight. However, I still it falls short of the original concept, which had much more presence, just by looking a bit wider.

[@Revel4tions]

Editing is spot on!

[@davidgermain]

the Honda E is class. cool and modern city car, for the next gen. i would have like to see some headlight mounted cameras and use the LCD panel to make the front disappear eg F35 cockpit style. would really help for tight space parking.

[@gur262]

It basically shares, with the round headlights, quite some aspects with the honda motorcycle cb300/650/1000r. Classic and modern combined. Wouldn't be surprised if it was the same designer.

[@martinherrington9499]

Love it. I loved the Hondas of the 80s and 90s with their low bonnet lines, balanced proportions and clean detailing. Like Frank, I am in horror of the recent crop of Honda designs. So I hope the Honda e is the start of a new, cleaner direction.

[@hermanwooster8944]

You're 100% right on the need for more interior color! IMH non-professional opinion, the steering wheel feels incongruent with the rest of the interior design. The exterior uses the sleek black gloss look while the interior uses organic materials, but the steering wheel uses black gloss rather than wood which feels weird to me.

[@ducciodegliinnocenti5754]

Love your channel! Although this Honda E has indeed a nice design, to me looks like a 80’s Fiat Panda (the back window and the front except for the round lights). If you put the two cars’ pictures next to each other they’re very similar. (Can you please do a review on top 3 Pininfarina?). Thank you for your amazing videos!

[@youtbe999]

This is the highest praise that Honda can hope for.

[@fwc2047]

The front and rear have something that remind me a lot of the Golf 1 and Golf 2 models. Also the proportion front wheels to rear wheels is similar.

[@mater753s]

This car reminds me of first generation VW Golf, and is designed following that "golf design philosophy"

[@seanmurphy4465]

mater753s first thing I thought too.... golf.

[@1GTASANANDREASCJ]

The first Golf came 2 years later than the first Civic on the market.

[@endeavourist5287]

Absolutely love the Honda e and its concept sibling, the Sports EV. I hope Honda embraces this minimalist styling across its range and ditches the ridiculously busy look that it has right now.

[@adamdonovan5633]

Superb, articulate analysis by a genuine design eye! Right on all counts. The thing has "presence". Honda seems to have rejected the reigning Asian "Origami School of Design" which mandates as many creases in any given material plane as possible! Bravo.

[@egilandersen1844]

Thanks for good revues of car design its really interesting. How about the design of BMW i3 ?

[@spdaltid]

Great overview. A Honda that lives up to its roots and not some manga cartoon. Don't like the wheel arches though: too flat and derivative.But yeah, I'd buy one!

[@danielrizzo8655]

I am a graphic designer by trade, a BMW owner and car enthusiast. Love your videos Bro

[@pablogalvz]

I agree... Honda did an amazing job with this design. When I first saw the concept I instantly recognized the design cues from the 70’s Civic. Too bad it won’t be available in America. Also I’m disappointed in the price and range which is still part of the early EV challenge - the type of buyer for this car would mostly be younger car buyers but they won’t be able to afford it - especially with the lack of long-range utility. Looking forward to a day when battery tech makes an EV like this cheaper than a petrol/gas car. Kudos to Honda for such a beautiful design!

[@hughjass2745]

Honda Americanised their designs, that's the problem. European and Japanese designs were always cleaner and crisper, now cars are just overweight to meet American tastes.

[@ObscurumMetallicus]

Pretty sure Frank didn't design the 2007 version of the Fiat 500. It was designed by Roberto Giolito, and Frank was a production-design-director on the car..

[@andrewmoorhouse687]

Totally agree, a great piece of design exterior-wise, clean, simple, fun, youthful, totally cool. Really good point about the use of colour and the impact on the overall look. Interior interesting and full of tech, but agree a few funky colours, perhaps highlights such as door armrests, seat side bolsters etc, would be more fun inside. They could be colour coded to the exterior: red on a red car, lime green on lime green. I always like it when the exterior and interior have some kind of synergy. Great city car, but price and range work against it if your driving takes you too far from the city’s limits. Definitely has the ‘I want one’ factor, so that’s job done from a designer’s perspective.

[@wissamlakkis9633]

He said a golden sentence: how a car designed with all those lines can last more then a year