Austrian motorcycle manufacturer KTM has an excellent track record in the global circuit, and has about 30 dealers in Japan. Its four-wheel vehicle is known as the "X-Bow", (pronounced "Cross-Bow"). Koji Aoyama visited the Atsugi branch of car importer Zoom, and test-drove the X-Bow.

What impression does Koji have of this Spartan machine?

The X-Bow appeared light and weighed only 790kg. It impressed Koji with its 3738mm x 1920mm x 1205mm body, which had a carbon shell and an attached cowl. KTM's unique concept incorporates a motorcycle's performance into the body of a four-wheeler. Thus it was thrilling to drive.

Koji scrutinised the X-Bow's body, which surprisingly had no doors. When the lever beneath the dry carbon fibre driver's seat was pulled, the accelerator pedal shifted instead of the seat. This was definitely not an automaker's concept. Compared to Lotus' Evora, the X-Bow's pedal layout was wider, making it easily controllable even without changing into racing shoes.

The X-Bow's engine contributed to its fetching design. It was installed behind the driver's seat. Lifting its glass fibre cowl reveals the Audi logo stamped on the engine - the automaker clearly collaborated with KTM to develop the X-Bow, and it shows.

Like Volkswagen's Golf V GTI, the X-Bow is equipped with Audi's inline-4 DOHC TT Turbo engine, which generates 200bhp/280Nm. This kind of power is particularly impressive in a car weighing less than 790kg. Clearly, we can expect many exciting things from the X-Bow.

However, when the test drive began, it started to rain. The weather report said that Typhoon Number 14 was approaching, and that there was no chance of the rain stopping. As there was no preparation whatsoever for the rain, we worried about the stitching, meters, and etc. But Zoom said that the X-Bow was meant to be handled like a two-wheeler, and we went ahead with the test drive.

Though the rain affected the drive, the X-Bow's handling was accurate, and it ran perfectly. Koji was especially delighted by the car's responsiveness and speed, which was elevated because of its lightweight body. At 240hp, performance was average, but it was still fun to drive.

The movement of the suspension system could be seen from the driver's seat, a design that was likely influenced by KTM's experience as a motorcycle manufacturer. Like Lotus' cars, the X-Bow's sensitive handling is similar to a kart's, and it is more responsive than a sedan. Koji also commented on how the air scoop restricts rear vision, to which Zoom suggested that a rear monitor be installed.

At the end of the drive, Koji said that the X-Bow strongly reminded him of a motorbike, which was an advantage and a disadvantage. "While it would have been an excellent drive without the wind­shield, it would not be practical on rainy days," he said. So he gave it 75 points out of a hundred.