Honey, they're shrinking the luxury crossover!
The Honda Vezel--a compact crossover based on the 2015 Fit--could spawn an Acura-badged sibling, Automotive News reports.
During a test drive of the Vezel, the chief engineer for the crossover's powertrain told Automotive News that the company is considering an Acura version.
Such a luxury subcompact would likely borrow styling from the SUV-X concept unveiled at the 2013 Shanghai Auto Show.
MORE: 2015 Honda Fit: Full Details From 2014 Detroit Auto Show
Changing the Honda into an Acura wouldn't be all that unusual, as the two brands have shared underpinnings and technologies many times over the years. The current ILX sedan and RDX crossover use the same platforms as the Civic and CR-V, respectively.
The Vezel is expected come to North America later this year, although under a different name that hasn't yet been revealed.
Honda will build the crossover at the same Mexican plant as the 2015 Fit hatchback, now going into production in that country. The company made the announcement during the Fit unveiling at this week's 2014 Detroit Auto Show media days.
Acura SUV-X concept, 2013 Shanghai Auto Show
The SUV-X concept was aimed at the market in China, where Acura hopes to begin producing and selling cars by 2016.
The company reportedly hasn't made a decision about selling a compact crossover anywhere else.
If it does go on sale globally, the Acura compact crossover would be part of a trend toward similar downsized vehicles, including the Buick Encore and the upcoming Audi Q1.
One straightforward way to reduce fuel consumption is to buy the smallest vehicle possible.
And increasingly, that will be as true for luxury-car buyers as it is for the fuel misers who will grab the keys to the 36-mpg 2015 Honda Fit when it reaches dealers this spring.
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