DETROIT MOTOR SHOW: Honda confirms baby SUV

Honda has confirmed it will preview an all-new compact crossover at the 2013 Detroit motor show in January, in the form of the Urban SUV Concept.

Pictured here in the first official image, the sub-CR-V city-SUV is expected to be based on the same platform as Honda's next-generation Jazz, which will be produced for North America in a new factory to be built in Mexico by 2014.

Evidence of this can be found in Honda's statement that the vehicle will employs :Honda's centre-tank layout", which describes the chassis architecture of a new range of small cars, including the Japan-only N Box mini-wagon.

The all-new micro-SUV will not be restricted to US sales, since Honda describes it as a global model. However, Australia is not yet confirmed as an export destination and, if it is, Mexico is unlikely to be the source of our vehicles.

If it is eventually sold here, the all-new pint-size crossover will give Honda Australia - which last month launched its redesigned CR-V in front-wheel drive guise for the first time, priced from under $27,500 - its first direct rival for top-selling SUVs like the Nissan Dualis and Mitsubishi ASX.

In September, Honda Motor Company CEO Takanobu Ito said the next Jazz will be produced in a number of derivatives, including an SUV, and will be a key model with which his company plans to double sales to six million vehicles by 2017.

The next Jazz is expected to be produced in five-door hatchback, four-door sedan (known in Australia as the City) and five-door SUV body styles within the next three years.