Even though, just a few days ago, we learned of the partnership between Honda and Nissan, this week we discovered theRELATIVE 1 2026, a highly technological car resulting from an association between Honda et Sony. After a series of concepts, the AFEELA 1 mid-size sedan is revealed in its production configuration as part of the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) from Las Vegas.
Style: it’s useless
This car is the embodiment of high technology in terms of innovation and driver assistance. In fact, the manufacturer completely ignores the technical data of the vehicle such as power and battery size. The only theoretical information at the moment is the target range of 482 kilometers. We focus on other subjects. Style comes first, and we favor a surprising approach. We assume that there is no style per se. 1 has simple lines which project into time through their banality. In this regard, only 3 tones will be available: white, black and gray.
The approach is exactly the same in the cabin. No effort at style except that there is no element designed to catch the eye. We are aiming here for function, and the distractions will be based on the collection of elements that allow us to maintain a life connected with our social universe. The consortium, however, takes care to emphasize that the surfaces of the passenger compartment are made 70% from recycled or renewable organic materials.
A mobility companion
The leitmotif of Sony Honda Mobility in the development of the 1 forces us to take a look into the future, but accessible now. There is a strong union between technologies and mobility where humans become more and more incidental. As the company’s big boss, Yasuhide Mizuno, says, the automobile becomes a companion:
“Sony Honda Mobility strives to improve connections with people through intelligent mobility and revolutionize the traveler experience. We are very pleased to present AFEELA 1, developed for the autonomous driving era, at CES 2025. AFEELA 1 can be called a companion, combining advanced software with meticulously refined hardware. We will meet our customers’ expectations by providing them with a safe, secure and comfortable travel experience. »
4 large pillars
First, intelligent driving by collecting external data. It is done through 40 sensors made up of cameras, LiDAR, radars and ultrasonic sensors. The objective is naturally to define the environment of the car. With a capacity of 800 TOPS (teroperations per second) that power artificial intelligence, AFEELA claims that the car achieves a high degree of sophistication in perception, prediction and planning from the start to the end of the road.
Then, the manufacturer insists on the personal agent who accompanies the driver and occupants. On this point, we integrate the interactive personalization of communication with the 1. It is therefore possible to chat with the car on the themes of your choice. She is also able to make suggestions for activities. According to the manufacturer, this possibility creates a feeling of comfort and entertainment in the cabin. Everything is personalized according to the driver.
Entertainment is also at the center of the design of the AFEELA 1. In fact, we define “mobility as a creative entertainment space” here. As a result, all occupants, depending on the equipment level, can enjoy a collection of applications thanks to the different monitors in the cabin. In addition, as we are in a Sony environment, we find an immersive 360 Spatial Sound Technologies surround sound system. To ensure peace and quiet on board, we have also developed active suppression of external noise.
The last major pillar, unity with the driver with the “pursuit of unity with mobility”. Here, we are talking about the management of mechanics such as suspensions, engines and brakes. We aim to promote agile and stable driving according to the driver’s wishes. The 3D Motion Management System is used to ensure the conjugation of all systems on all types of surfaces. The goal behind this approach is to minimize interaction with the exterior to maximize the entertainment attributes of the cabin.
Drop by drop
For the moment, Sony-Honda Mobility plans to begin assembly of the 1 in mid-2025 with marketing at the beginning of 2026 in Japan then in California a few months later. The car will be assembled on a very small scale at Honda’s facilities in Ohio. As for price, a first Signature version will be launched at US$102,900 then, in 2027, the Origin version at US$89,900 will join the range. For the moment, Honda Canada refers us to Sony-Honda Mobility regarding the availability of the car in Canada. We are still waiting for a response.
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