Japan Report: Honda Step Bus Concept = Next JDM Mobilio Spike?

Remember the wacky Honda Step Bus concept from the 2007 L.A. Auto Show? Rumors suggest that this, um, distinctly styled five-passenger, mid-engined van will become the next Honda Mobilio Spike (above) for the Japanese home market.

Happily, Honda is no stranger to creatively designed–and named–box vans. Some in Japan see the Mobilio Spike (launched in September 2002) has a successor-of-sorts to the quirkily pioneering Honda Step Van (right) born 30 years earlier–a vehicle which Suzuki cheekily re-invented in the ’90s as the domestic Wagon R with massive success.

Honda’s sometimes too far ahead of the times with some things it comes up with, like that original, slab sided ‘72 Step Van. Question is, has it hit the mark this time with the LA Show Step Bus? And would it (could it) play in Peoria?

+ WINDING ROAD: Box Rockin’ Beat: Honda Debuts Step Bus Concept In L.A.