Honda has unveiled the Urban SUV Concept which showcases the company’s upcoming compact SUV. The Urban SUV Concept is based on the next generation Jazz platform and will go on sale in Japan later this year. The Japanese automaker will launch the production version of the Urban SUV in the US and Europe next year, while an India launch is expected by 2015. The third generation Jazz (Fit in some markets) will go on sale in 2014. The Urban SUV is the CR-V’s little brother and will be powered by Honda engines using ‘Earth Dreams’ technology.
The Honda Urban SUV Concept measures 4300 mm in length, which makes it slightly shorter than the Renault Duster (length – 4315 mm), a vehicle which will be the Urban SUV’s chief rival in many markets, including India. The rush to get into the compact SUV/crossover space has been seen by every manufacturer in recent times, after the Ford EcoSport took centre stage at the 2012 Auto Expo. Volkswagen has also unveiled its compact SUV, the Taigun, while GM has put its Trax compact SUV on sale in many countries already.
Honda will offer the Urban SUV with many features lifted straight from the Jazz, including the magic seats and centre fuel tank layout. The company will offer their compact SUV with a modern interior and next generation telematics. A hybrid powertrain will feature on this Honda and production will take place at the company’s new plant in Celaya, Mexico. Honda is betting big on the Jazz platform, which it feels will help them boost market share significantly. The next generation Jazz will feature diesel engines and the same platform will also spawn the next generation City.
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