Mugen’s hardcore widebody Honda Vezel concept

by Danny Tan of www.paultan.org

We’ve seen plenty of the Honda Vezel lately, but this is easily the most hardcore version of the new B-segment crossover so far. Mugen brought two modded Vezels to the Tokyo Auto Salon 2014 – one is the kit that will go to production while this is a wider and wilder ‘concept’ that may make production some day.

The most striking bits here are the massive wheel arch extensions, which allows this Jazz-based SUV to roll on mega 20-inch wheels. The square cut and contrasting colours means no one will miss those arches. Also in grey are the front apron, a rear apron with integrated exhaust pipes, a scary-looking honeycomb grille, plus a roof wing extension.

Compared to the OTT exterior, changes under the body are kept to just a lowered sports suspension, a complete exhaust system and more powerful brakes. Mad as it is, we won’t be surprised seeing this hardcore Vezel roaming our streets one day (it will be coming to Malaysia) due to the need to stand out from the crowd.

Too much? See the milder Mugen kit , Modulo kit and the standard Honda Vezel, as well as our live gallery from the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show.

Source;
http://paultan.org/2014/01/13/mugen-widebody-honda-vezel-concept/

Production Honda Urban SUV rendered

The first renderings of the Honda Urban SUV’s production version have recently hit the web and they might provide us with a first glimpse of the future model.

After being officially presented to the public in concept form a few weeks ago during the 2013 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, the Honda Urban is entering our news once again, this time in its final production version. The two images posted below are renderings of the SUV and they have been posted on carplace.virgula.uol.com.br, revealing how the production variant of the Honda Urban SUV might look like.

The Honda Urban is based on the same platform as the Jazz and the model will go on sale against the Dacia Duster. The Honda Urban SUV will get a 1.8 liter petrol engine under its hood, along with a 1.6 liter i-DTEC diesel unit. The Honda Urban SUV will become a global car and it’s expected to be launched in several markets across Asia, Europe or even the United States. More details on the final production version of the Honda Urban SUV are limited for the moment and will be announced close to its debut.

Source;
http://www.inautonews.com/production-honda-urban-suv-rendered#.UQ_cS_JZPQo

Rendering – Honda Jazz-based Urban SUV envisioned

Honda had recently teased a sketch of the Jazz based compact crossover called the Urban SUV Concept that is set to take center stage at Honda’s stall in the Detroit Auto Show next week.

Meanwhile, Hondayoungtimer.de’s forum member who goes by the name ‘Hondafreak1981′ has come up with this nice rendering of the mini SUV based on the teaser sketch. The yet to be named SUV’s front fascia is expected to take a leaf or two from the design book of the new CR-V.

The profile of the rendering obeys the teaser sketch implicitly and bring us closer to the real car. The upward swooping crease that starts at the front door and culminates at the edge of the rear window is easily the high point of the design.

The compact crossover could be powered by the 1.6 litre i-DTEC Earthdreams diesel engine and the 1.8 litre i-VTEC petrol engine. The power will be sent to the front wheels but an AWD version of the car is also expected.

The Honda Urban SUV Concept is “a global concept model” which means that the production version could eventually reach Indian shores as well.

With people across the globe going bonkers about the mini SUVs, the Urban SUV is just what doctor has prescribed for Honda. It is needless to say that the car will have to fight it out with Renault Duster, Ford EcoSport, Chevrolet Trax, Peugeot 2008 and countless other upcoming crossovers.

Our little crystal ball shows a massive battle waiting to unfold!

Source;

http://indianautosblog.com/2013/01/honda-urban-suv-jazz-based-envisioned-59101

Honda teases “Urban SUV Concept”: Jazz/FIT-based SUV

Above is thUrban SUV Concept teaser, below is the Chinese only Li Nian Concept from Beijing in 2008.

Here’s a first teaser sketch of the upcoming Honda Urban SUV Concept which will make its world debut at the 2013 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) on 14 January 2013. The Honda Urban SUV Concept will preview a B-segment SUV based on the centre-tank layout Honda Jazz platform.

This is not the first time a concept B-segment SUV based on the Honda Jazz has been put forward. But it’s the first time it’s going to have a Honda badge. Previously, Honda and its Chinese partner showcased the Li Nian SUV concept at Beijing 2008, powered by a 1.8 litre engine. Comparing the sketch above and the Li Nian concept, it doesn’t seem to be the same design as the character line on the side is different.

Source;
http://paultan.org/2012/12/12/honda-teases-urban-suv-concept-jazz-based-suv/

HOT! Honda to join mini-SUV bandwagon

This is not to be for North America....

2012 Honda FIT Shuttle, the extended FIT sold in other areas of the world.

Yet another firm is keen on entering the mini-SUV segment as action heats up. Honda, best known for their small cars and sedans is keen on bringing in an SUV in the sub 4.2-metre segment to take on the likes of the Renault Duster, Ford EcoSport and upcoming SUVs from Suzuki and even Peugeot.

Little is known about the SUV at the moment, but speculation is rife that it will be based on the Jazz platform. Expected to arrive in the next two to three years, most likely based on the next-generation Jazz, the SUV could be powered by both petrol and diesel motor options. To be sold in most markets around the world, expect it to be powered by either a 1.2-litre and/or a 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine while a new 1.4-litre diesel engine could be the likely option for markets like Europe and India.

Honda is joining the bandwagin at a time when most manufacturers are looking at urban SUVs and crossovers that are based on small-car platforms. Like its other contemporaries, the Honda SUV too will be primarily front-wheel driven, but could come with real-time all-wheel drive like the CR-V. This, however will depend on cost structures. 

Source;
http://www.bsmotoring.com/news/hot-honda-to-join-mini-suv-bandwagon/5427/1