DETROIT AUTO SHOW STUD or DUD: Has Honda's Styling Department Got Its Groove Back?

DETROIT AUTO SHOW STUD or DUD: Has Honda's Styling Department Got Its Groove Back?
They say good things come in small packages, but we'll leave that up to you to decide because at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show, Honda had a little special something in store for us. That, my friends, is the Urban SUV Concept.

While Agent 009 launched a story with the vehicle's FULL press release, I wanted to come back to this vehicle for one second.

That's because everyone knows we've been critical of Honda and its styling in recent years. And that's because it needed to be criticized. While sales are still strong, they're not what they used to be. While folks will likely argue it has to do with the systemic repercussions of a downbeat economy, we think otherwise. For a minute there, Honda's products just weren't capturing buyer's attention.

But for 2013 it's clear things have turned around with the revamped Accord and Civic. Now in Detroit we're seeing our first glimpse at what will likely be a 2014 model year vehicle set to go head-to-head with the Nissan Juke and other small sport-utility vehicles. Its nine inches SHORTER than the CR-V and compare the size of the rear door to the rear luggage area.

This is definitely a small vehicle.

But size doesn't matter, right? THIS is a conversation about looks, appeal and style. That said, we want to know what YOU think of this vehicle's looks. Is Honda's Urban SUV Concept a STUD or a DUD?


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cidflekkencidflekken - 1/15/2013 1:51:54 AM
+8 Boost
If Honda doesn't stray too far from this concept, then I think it'll have a winner on its hands. This concept looks nice.


M35MTM35MT - 1/15/2013 8:37:30 AM
+3 Boost
It's kinda like a better looking RDX in the back and a concept-y CR-V in the front.

Not sure where this will fit in. Profile looks nice.


valhallakeyvalhallakey - 1/15/2013 10:45:32 AM
-1 Boost
I like the front details and the rear is ok, however the overall design looks a lot like a Nissan or a Kia or... So they got a little bit of their groove back... the rest they borrowed :)


randy3023randy3023 - 1/15/2013 12:49:46 PM
+3 Boost
Brilliant! Hondas are an engineering marvel, definitely befitting of a few good designers. Now they appear to have found one... these are gorgeous!


gkearns56gkearns56 - 1/15/2013 1:14:44 PM
+1 Boost
If they build VERY CLOSE to this design - they have a WINNER. If they stray and merely tease their loyalist, it will be disappointment again. Keep this design; it's a winner (and no bird beak please).


AlleVierAlleVier - 1/15/2013 4:36:00 PM
+1 Boost
Front and rear are nice. Not sure they'll follow through on the chrome strip extending into the headlights for production, but it'd probably still look good if they don't. Not crazy about the wheel's design or bright finish. I'm not one to worry about gender appeal, but this one's pretty macho for those less secure about their manhood.


MorePowerMorePower - 1/15/2013 7:26:34 PM
+1 Boost
Looks good, though the rear styling looks like they gave up and stretched the rear end of a RDX.


HughJassHughJass - 1/15/2013 9:29:50 PM
+1 Boost
Was thinking RDX too. Nicer than the current Pilot, Crosstour and last CRV. It would sell well.


HighDesertHighDesert - 1/18/2013 7:15:10 AM
+2 Boost
IMHO the design is too busy and a rehash of almost every other SUV having limited rear visibility ... and the same blah silver. If I were designing a new "urban SUV" I would begin with some very basic functionality: provide good visibility, particularly from the rear, make it somewhat ding proof on the sides, and bump proof from the front and rear. In other words, exhibit some creativity and design for the intended purpose instead of simply looking at all of the other same SUVs and tweaking the lines.


gramps99gramps99 - 1/18/2013 6:36:17 PM
+2 Boost
This is a beautiful SUV. I have never been thrilled by Honda styling but this is great!!!



BimmersNmeBimmersNme - 2/12/2013 7:55:45 PM
+1 Boost
IMO It looks really good! The proportions are just right, the size is right also.I always had hope some day Honda would come back with nice looking vehicles, and it seems that they did! (just hope they translate this design to reality without changing it too much) So, congrats Honda! Keep this designer and fire all the others! LOL!


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