New Honda model - 'Urban SUV'

On display at the concluding NAIAS is Honda's latest new model, an SUV based on the popular Honda Fit/Jazz. Done as a global model, meaning to be sold in all countries in the world, Honda is finally and wisely capitalizing on the hugely popular Fit/Jazz platform. 

A SUV smaller than the CR-V but available worldwide is sorely needed by Honda and this new model meets that need. The car on display at the NAIAS is a concept but is indicative of the new model which Honda says will go on sale in Japan at the end of this year (2013), and then followed by 'sequential introductions' in other countries around the world.

In ASEAN, this new 'Urban SUV' will compete against the like of Nissan's Livina X-Gear, Toyota's Rush, and Suzuki's SX4 to name a few.

As expected, this new Fit/Jazz SUV will use Honda's latest generation of powertrain - engine and transmission, which Honda calls 'Earth Dreams'. The engine will likely be a variant of the L-Series while the transmission will likely be the new i-DCD, Honda's version of the DCT/DSG designed for small vehicles (and small capacity engines). All three major types of powerplants - gasoline (petrol), hybrid (most likely single-motor IMA), and diesel will be offered.

Honda plans to sell more than 1.5 million units annually of the three "Global Compact Series" models, namely the Fit, the City and this all-new compact SUV, which utilize the Honda-original center-tank layout, by the end of 2016. Starting with the Global Compact Series, Honda will pursue a transformation of its global operations to promptly respond to the needs of customers around the world and evolve models with the best specifications for each region at affordable prices.