The Honda Urban SUV Concept made its world premiere today at the 2013 Detroit Motor Show. According to the Japanese automaker, its styling, which features clean, taut lines and “hidden” rear door handles, hints at a new small SUV that will be launched at the end of the year in Japan and in 2014 in North America.

Measuring 4,300 mm (169.3 in) long, the new small SUV is 23 cm (9 in) shorter than the compact CR-V, under which it will slot in Honda’s crossover line-up.

It is based on the Global Compact Series platform, which includes the Jazz/Fit subcompact hatchback and the City saloon that’s sold in overseas markets and will use Honda’s fuel-efficient “Earth Dreams” powerplants.

Honda says the production version of the Urban SUV concept will feature “a modern interior and next-generation telematics”. It will also adopt the Fit’s center-fuel tank layout and its “Magic Seat” flexible rear-seat set-up that allows for many configurations based on passenger and load needs.

The production model will be manufactured at Honda’s new plant near Celaya in Mexico, which is scheduled to begin operations in the spring of 2014 with an annual capacity of 200,000 units.

By Andrew Tsaousis

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