This article is from our archives and has not been updated and integrated with our "new" site yet... Even so, it's still awesome - so keep reading!
Published on
Sun, Oct 26, 2003
By:
The LACar Editorial Staff
10/28
LESS WACKY AND MORE GREEN
By
Contributing Editors CHRISTOPHER MERLO and CHUCK DAPOZ
Photos by JAMES KUBIK and CHUCK DAPOZ
2003
Tokyo Motor Show - Part 4
Non-Japanese brands
HYUNDAI NEOS-II
Hyundai NEOS-II
South Korean manufacturer Hyundai premiered this effort from its Japan Design
Center. The NEOS II is a crossover utility vehicle features a large glass roof
- another recurring theme at this year's show.
MERCEDES-BENZ F 500 MIND
(Reviewed in the introduction under Most-Notable Vehicles)JEEP TREO
Jeep Treo
We found ourselves referring to this as the Lone Ranger of the show: the only
new vehicle - concept or production - introduced by a North American
brand. Yes, Daimler-Chrysler is German owned, but Jeep is pure American. The
Jeep Treo takes urban trekking to new dimensions in terms of package, styling
and propulsion. The Treo name was inspired by its 2+1 seating arrangement and
tear shape - narrowing from front to rear. Distinctive Jeep cues abound
in order to compensate for its toylike appearance. These include the trademark
grille, prominent (big eyed) headlights and thoughtful touches such as the "boot
tread" profile along the bottom edge of the running boards. We also liked
the twin, high-mounted spar wings with taillamps. Finally, this "lite"
SUV goes easy on the environment thanks to an alternative power system -
the package accommodates either a fuel cell or hybrid electric powertrain.
