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Detroit auto show: Honda reveals 'Urban SUV Concept'

The Detroit auto show is full of the latest car ideas, including Honda's Urban SUV Concept, which the company says will create new value in the growing small-SUV segment. Honda debuted the new Urban SUV concept at the 2013 Detroit auto show.

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James Fassinger/Reuters/File
The Honda Urban SUV concept is unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit Monday. Honda revealed its Urban SUV Concept at the 2013 Detroit auto show.
  • By Kurt Ernst Guest blogger

Honda has revealed its Urban SUV Concept at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show, and the subcompact crossover foretells the styling of an all-new model expected to debut here in 2014.

Honda bills its Urban SUV Concept as “dynamic and youthful,” while promising that the crossover will “create new value in the growing small-SUV segment,” according to John Mendel, executive vice president of sales at American Honda.

With an overall length of just 169.3 inches, the Urban SUV Concept is some nine inches shorter than the current Honda CR-V, which should make it a better choice for urban dwellers. Hidden rear door handles give it a coupe-like appearance, while retaining the functionality of a four-door design.

The Urban SUV Concept will join Honda’s Global Compact Series of vehicles, which currently includes the Honda Fit and the Honda City, a subcompact sedan not sold in the United States market. 


When the new subcompact SUV comes to the U.S. in 2014, expect it to emphasize fuel economy via the use of Honda’s Earth Dreams Technology. It will also boast the Magic Seat design featured in the Honda Fit, which allows for a wide variety of passenger and cargo configurations.

Since connectivity is critical to Honda’s target audience, the new SUV will launch with next-generation telematics, though Honda isn’t fleshing out the details of this just yet. Also, expect to see the same contemporary design applied to the exterior carried over to the interior as well.

Honda plans to build the new subcompact crossover alongside the Fit at its Celaya, Mexico plant, scheduled to go online in the spring of 2014.

For more ongoing coverage of the 2013 Detroit Auto Show, be sure to check out ourdedicated show page. 

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