TOKYO, Nov 10 — Japanese car and bike maker Honda is getting ready to launch its first "side-by-side” utility vehicle for those whose jobs or interests take them to extreme locations.

Set to be officially unveiled in 2017, the Honda Pioneer will offer four-wheel drive and will come in two- and four-seat configurations.

A motorbike-derived 700cc engine will call the shots and Honda promises that the vehicle will be more practical than a quad bike yet much easier to manage and navigate than a traditional SUV.

"Our engineers and designers have developed it from the wheels up with the same attention to detail they would any Honda vehicle,” said Steve Morris, Head of Honda (UK). 

"(It) sets a new benchmark for a side by side ATV.” — AFP-Relaxnews