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NAIAS 2013: LEAKED – Say Hello To The 'Urban SUV Concept', Honda's New Juke
by
Mark Stevenson
(IC: employee)
Published: January 14th, 2013
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The more they try to stop people from talking, the more people want to talk.
These are the leaked images of the new Honda ‘Urban SUV Concept’. Think of it as what a CR-V used to be, but for a new generation of buyers.
After Nissan’s surprising success with the Joke Puke Juke, Honda is getting into the ‘awkward looking, car-based SUV with a tiny engine’ niche everyone seems to be shopping in these days.
Unfortunately, you will have to wait for more details, if you are remotely interested.
What do you think, B&B?
Mark Stevenson
More by Mark Stevenson
Published January 14th, 2013 9:18 AM
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The Toyota Urban Cruiser is in this segment in Europe, a B-size crossover. I rented a diesel one for a week and drove it 1.000 km. It was surprisingly competent for such a small car, the handling and the high seating position making it feel bigger and more stable than I had expected. Sure, it was narrow and short and the interior was grim plastic. But I found myself liking that small crossover. For a Toyota it had personality, and the 1.4 diesel went uphill like a rocket at 2000 rpm. In Asia, the Toyota Rush/Daihatsu Terios is popular in this segment. It makes sense for Honda to introduce a similar model. Like the Urban Cruiser, I imagine this Honda can be a fun city car, with good visibility and being easy to park. I see a winner here. The key to this segment is low price, but don't give it an un-Honda slow engine please.
Looks much better than the Juke but then again this is a concept. I expect the production version to be ruined with a long overhang, goofy/disproportionate headlights and awkward black plastic triangles ahead of the side mirrors. As ugly as it is, the Juke has one thing going for it ; a decent engine. I fear Honda may pull another CR-Z with this one. Let's hope it at least gets the Civic engine.