In case you hadn't noticed, there's something of a revolution underway across the automotive industry as traditional carmakers start rolling out their own lines of electric vehicles. What we have here is the first shot fired from one of Japan's top automakers, but it won't be the last.

Following a string of concepts, the new Honda E marks its debut in final production form here at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show. And as a harbinger of things to come, it bodes well – both technically and stylistically. Which is a good thing, because the vehicle you see here won't be coming to America.

At 157 inches long, the Honda E is about the size of the Fit hatchback, but takes a radically different approach that, in terms of design, is both futuristic and retro at the same time – like a vision of what tomorrow's automobile might have looked like 40 years ago, yet somehow thoroughly modern at the same time.

Into that (sub)compact and stylish form, Honda has packed an all-electric powertrain, to be offered at two power levels: with 100 kW (134 horsepower) or 113 kW (151 hp). Both versions produce the same 232 lb-ft of torque and are juiced by a 35.5-kWh battery.

Driving the rear wheels alone, Honda says it'll hit 62 from a standstill in about eight seconds, travel up to 136 miles on a single charge, and quick-charge to 80-percent capacity in half an hour. It also features cameras instead of side mirrors, a pair of 12.3-inch LCDs extending across the dashboard, and Siri/Alexa-style "OK Honda" voice command.

Unfortunately the debut Honda E has been deemed too small for America, where big crossovers and trucks rule the road (and the marketplace). But sure as the sun will come up tomorrow, you can rest assured that Honda will offer others here. And when it does, we hope they look as cool as this one does.