Detroit Auto Show Honda Urban SUV Concept【Video】

Honda has revealed its Urban SUV concept at the North American International Auto Show.

Hondas new SUV is part of a segment of smaller vehicles that are becoming more readily available in the U.S. market with higher-end features such as heated seats and navigation, noted IHS Automotive analyst Rebecca Lindland. Other upcoming small SUVs, such as the Toyota RAV4, fit the bill as well.

The concept measures 169.3 inches in length, making it about eight inches longer than a Fit hatchback and nine inches shorter than the CR-V. Honda confirmed that its new crossover will debut a telematics system for Honda, and it will use one of Hondas new Earth Dreams engines; we previously reported that this engine would be a 1.5-liter I4 paired with a continuously variable transmission.

Inside, Hondas vision for the Urban SUV concept (the concept at the auto show has no interior) is rather conventional, featuring an instrument panel that could easily translate into a production form. The concept reportedly uses Hondas Magic Seats system, which are featured in the Fit subcompact and allow for extraordinary flexibility in terms of seating arrangements and cargo hauling. The production version is expected to also make use of this system.




Press Release

Honda "Urban SUV Concept" Makes World Debut at the 2013 North American International Auto Show

All-new Honda concept model previews addition to growing small-SUV segment and demonstrates Hondas small-car expertise

An all-new Honda "Urban SUV Concept" vehicle made its world debut today at the 2013 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. The dynamic and youthful concept hints at the 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.

"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 is intended to provide the basis for a fun-to-drive and fuel-efficient small SUV with aspirational design, flexible packaging and next-generation connectivity targeting active lifestyle customers. The concept showcases clean and sophisticated styling, dynamic character lines and a strong stance, with hidden rear door handles giving the SUV a coupe-like presence. Measuring 169.3 inches long, the Urban SUV Concept is nine inches shorter than the Honda CR-V, making it the ideal size for navigating both crowded city streets and open mountain roads.

The Urban SUV Concept represents the expansion of vehicles based on Hondas Global Compact Series, which includes the Honda Fit subcompact and the Honda City subcompact sedan, a model sold in markets outside the United States.

All-New Small SUV Launching 2014
Coming to the U.S. in 2014, an all-new small SUV based on the Urban SUV Concept will feature fuel-efficient Earth Dreams™ Technology and be priced and positioned below the CR-V within the Honda light-truck lineup. Part of Hondas Global Compact Series, and utilizing the Honda-original center-tank layout featured on the Fit, the model will include Hondas configurable Magic Seat® setup that can provide a host of passenger and cargo options, including a fold-flat mode for maximum cargo capacity. The all-new model will also feature next-generation telematics and a modern interior.

The small SUV will be manufactured along with the Fit at Hondas 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, and remain a global small-car leader.

Chevrolet Trax will premiere at the Paris Motor Show

The Chevrolet Trax follows the Opel Mocha closely. Of the Germans, we know the prices all while the American is now the technique explained is done. Both are respectively just before and shortly after the New Year at the dealership.

Chevrolet is a substantial rise since the Trax soon and adds to its fleet, which include the Nissan Juke the fire seemed to want to impose. Shortly after the beginning of 2013 informs Chevys mini-SUV still. And not only us, moreover, because Trax is a global model and will be conducted in as many as 140 countries are supplied. Oddly enough, not in the United States, because the parent General Motors is already there, including wells with the Chevrolet Equinox and Buick Encore.

Mocha
The Chevrolet Trax is there as I said not alone. He is with the Opel Mocha developed, but also with the aforementioned Buick Encore. Actually they take apart almost the entire technical -- from each other, rather than a change coats is it basically. But that does not mean that each of them as its own audience, because there are external differences quite. Unlike the very similar Encore and Mocha gets the Chevy a much tougher and --look that good also discussed in the styling of the rest of the fleet.

Pockets
Also inside there are slight differences with the largest redesigned dashboard. But the center console is more at Chevys. At the boot offers 356 liters Trax normally. In a split-folding rear seat (60/40) is standard and the front passenger seat is fully flat. Chevrolet also promises among many storage options including various compartments above and on both sides of the center console and a storage drawer under the passenger seat. Under the floor of the boot is additional storage space.

Engines
Unlike Opel Chevrolet delivers not the atmospheric 1.6 in the 4.25 meter long Trax. The Americans only offer the 1.4 liter four-cylinder turbo and engine. This delivers 140 hp and 200 Nm and will be linked to a 6-speed manual transmission. Wheel drive is standard while the 1.7-diesel as an option is offered. The diesel is good for 130 hp and 300 Nm and is also connected to a manual transmission. A six-speed automatic is optional.

Level of equipment
the more luxurious models get standard Chevrolet MyLink, an infotainment system that displays information from smartphone on a 7 inch color touch screen. From next winter will MyLink a navigation app that can be downloaded on compatible smartphone. This is a route that the smartphone is set to the touch screen MyLink system appears.

To safety takes the Trax with six airbags, Electronic Stability Control including Hill Start Assist, traction control and ABS with electronic brake force distribution, of course. Trailer Stability Assist and Hill Descent Control are standard from the LT trim level.
Chevrolet, the new Trax shortly at the Paris Motor Show in September.