Japanese auto maker, Honda, has released the first image of a new concept car that will be showcased at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show. The car, which will be known as 'Urban SUV Concept,' in the teaser image appears to be a small SUV suited for city driving. The car maker has combined a "sporty and dynamic SUV profile with a spacious, functional interior".
Though the image released by the company is only a teaser, the striking profile of the mini crossover with elegant creases is clearly visible. No other Honda product beyond the CR-Z hybrid has such dramatic creases.
From the first look of the teaser, it can be said that Honda's Urban SUV Concept would take on the likes of Nissan Juke and is likely to be based on the Jazz platform. It is expected that the concept will have a centrally mounted fuel tank that would provide more rear seat space for passengers as well as luggage. Under the hood, the all new Urban SUV Concept is likely to house a 1.6 litre iDTEC engine that would be mated to FWD and AWD drivetrains.
The car is likely to be first launched in the US and the UK market. In the UK market, there would be stiff competition among the recently launched Mokka SUV from Vauxhall, the Ford Eco Sport, the Chevrolet Trax to be launched in 2013, the Peugeot 2008 and the Fiat 500X all of which would be launched in the next few years.
Though the Urban SUV Concept is all set to be showcased at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show, Honda has not made any announcement about its launch date either in the US or the UK. However, one can expect its launch in the US and the European market by the end of 2013. So far as its launch in India is concerned, it is not expected in the country in the next few years until the end of 2015.
