Looking at it, you can get an idea of the rugged, almost militaristic look they wanted for the Pao, a novel mix of adventure, capability, toughness and yet, somehow, cuteness. This early drawing captures most of the basic lines and proportions of the Pao, but has significantly more aggressive off-road tires and lacks the Pao’s trade mark roof rails. Some of the proportions are a bit different, as is the bumper design, the lack of an actual grille, and how the rear vent windows can open far wider here. A somewhat later drawing is far closer to the production Pao:
With this drawing, we’re pretty much to the Pao shown at the auto show:
Looking at all of these, I think the most significant change is the de-emphasis on the wheels, which makes the Pao look a bit less like a military vehicle and more like a plucky hatchback that’s up for a little adventure. I kinda like the more butch Pao, though; a 4×4 version like that, perhaps scaled up a touch in size and power would be a really exciting thing. A Paower Pao. I do like the fog lights yours has; somehow they complete the face of this thing. https://tinyurl.com/bdcun5vm On the Vanagons people sometimes used some plastic blocks above the springs as a cheap and easy lift kit. Must be possible on other cars too?
