At the starting of 2012, Honda evinced interest in developing a new SUV to sit below the current CR-V. Not wasting anytime, the Japanese automaker was ready with a concept avatar by January 2013.
Showcased at the 2013 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, the Urban SUV Concept from Honda was the first glimpse of Honda’s rival to the Ford EcoSport and Renault Duster. Rendering artist Mr. Renato Aspromonte has presented his vision of the what the baby CR-V might look like in a production avatar.
Looking at the Urban crossover, it is easy to say that Honda wants to make the SUV a city slickster rather than a farmyard equipment. The designer has given his rendering a very aggressive stance and the sloping roof line reaffirms the sportiness of the SUV. The headlamps seem to be inspired from the CR-Z. Taking a cue from the Urban SUV Concept, you will find that there are no rear door handles. They have been integrated in the C pillars itself (Chevrolet Beat style).
The Urban SUV will be based on the versatile Honda Jazz platform that already supports a sedan, MPV, an EV and a hatchback. Honda Brazil has been entrusted the responsibility of developing this compact SUV. The new SUV will be powered by a 1.8-litre petrol engine or a 1.6 litre i-DTEC diesel engine with Earth Dreams technology.
Needless to say that the car will have to fight it out with Renault Duster, Ford EcoSport, Chevrolet Trax, Peugeot 2008 and countless other upcoming crossovers.
If Honda launches the Urban SUV in India, it cannot claim the sub 4 meter tax benefits because the concept avatar measured 4.3m. In this case, the Urban SUV will either need to be shortened or heavily localized for an aggressive price tag.
[Source: carplace.virgula.uol.com.br]
