Now, a year after the Tokyo Motor Show where Honda revealed its Micro-Commuter car as a concept, Honda is moving towards the machine’s production with a prototype model that is significantly more real-world ready.

With 98.4 inches in length, this prototype that resembles a mini car is roughly half-a-foot shorter than a Smart fortwo. More closely resembling a production vehicle inside of the cabin, Honda traded the steering wheel that operated like a joystick for a traditional two-spoke unit.

If there is one future-forward aspect of this car, it is that the car’s dash is actually a tablet, displaying information like vehicle speed and the range left in the batteries, while also doubling as a back-up camera.

Based on what Honda calls a “Variable Design Platform” the concept uses a basic structure and battery pack design and this allows for the body to be modified for different needs. The three-seat layout is one way to modified the car and it has space for one adult driver, and two children behind, while Honda says a small van-style body could be fitter, or even a convertible.

The Micro-Commuter concept has a range of 60 km(37 miles), is powered by a 15kW electric motor, and a charge time of 3 hours with a top speed of 80 km/h (50mph). Honda is pushing ahead with the Micro-Commuter, also seen as an urban mobility solution, for use on Japanese and European roads in a unique class of vehicle that sits between motorcycles and the smallest cars currently available.

Image courtesy of Revistadelmotor