Can this small, Fit-based subcompact SUV sell in the U.S.?
An all-new Honda “Urban SUV Concept” vehicle made its world debut today NAIAS. The concept points to styling direction of an all-new small SUV slated to launch in Japan by the end of 2013, followed by the U.S. market in 2014.
Measuring only 169.3 inches long, the B-class size concept is nine inches shorter than the Honda CR-V, making it either the ideal size for navigating crowded city streets or one-size too small for U.S. roads. Take your pick.
“No one has had greater success with small cars than Honda, and this Urban SUV Concept will create new value in the growing small-SUV segment,” said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales at American Honda. “With the continued expansion of our North American manufacturing operations, we expect fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive ‘small’ cars to play a key role in meeting the needs of our customers in the U.S.”
The Urban SUV Concept represents the expansion of vehicles based on Honda’s Global Compact Series, which includes the Honda Fit subcompact and the Honda City subcompact sedan, a model sold in markets outside the United States.
The small SUV will be manufactured along with the Fit at Honda’s newest North American plant near Celaya, Mexico, expected to open in the spring of 2014. The growth and expansion of its small-vehicle lineup will help Honda double worldwide production of vehicles in its Global Compact Series to more than 1.5 million units by the end of 2016.
Buick is exploring the same territory with the production version – 168.5 inches long – of what it is calling the Encore SUV, also on display at NAIAS. Last year the Encore concept debuted in Detroit.
