Having confirmed plans to bring the Civic hatch back to the United States in 2016, Honda->ke34 is also looking to enhance its lineup in other important markets as well. In China,->ke2090 for instance, one of the world's largest automotive markets in 2015, Honda wants to launch a new crossover->ke288 in the future. Previewing the new product that appears to be larger than the CR-V,->ke1595 yet significantly smaller than the U.S.-built Pilot,->ke1876 is the Concept D, recently showcased at the 2015 Shanghai Auto Show.->ke2470

Details are slim, but Honda promises the Concept D will morph into a "top-end SUV model that offers high-quality driving and a spacious cabin." The production model will be manufactured in China and sold by Guangqi Honda and Dongfeng Honda, two of the brand's most important joint ventures in that country. The big news here is the Concept D previews the company's future flagship model in China, positioned above the CR-V.

There's no word as to when this new crossover will hit auto shows in production clothes, but, until new details surface, we might as well have a closer look at the Concept D and its outlandish design.

Continue reading to learn more about the Honda Concept D.

Exterior

A quick peek at the Concept D's exterior is enough to conclude that this crossover looks pretty wild. The body is a collection of angles and vents, complemented by massively flared wheel arches and side skirts and a slat-less front grille that gives it a military stance. The LED headlamps are as conceptual as they get, running around almost the entire fascia, incorporating both the grille, the license plate and part of the apron. It sure looks like the kind of vehicle Robocop would drive on his daily patrol route.

But while it looks massive and ready to join Optimus Prime in the fight against the Decepticons, the Concept D does showcase a dash of sportiness thanks to its sharply raked rear window, the large wing atop the tailgate, and the floating roof design. The gold paint and matching wheel spokes further enhance its appearance.

Although Honda is known for launching near-production-ready concept cars,->ke169 I have strong doubts the production version of the Concept D will keep most of these outlandish features. Expect the proportions to remain the same, but forget about the grille, headlamps, the beefy fenders and the giant rear wing.

Interior

Honda didn't release photos of the Concept D's interior, and judging by the fact that the SUV had its doors closed the entire time it was displayed at the Shanghai Auto Show, it probably doesn't even have one yet. However, Honda did say the production version will feature a "spacious cabin," which makes sense considering the Concept D is both longer and wider than the CR-V, currently the largest Honda crossover sold in China.

Since the Japanese also mentioned the Concept D previews a "top-end" model, I expect the production car to sport five seats (seven are out of the question due to Honda's aim to provide class-leading space) and a host of premium amenities and tech features. I wouldn't be surprised if the SUV's interior turns out to be inspired by the CR-V's, but seasoned with a few luxury bits and unique styling cues.

Drivetrain

The lack of info continues in the drivetrain department, as it seems Honda has yet to decide which engine would better suit the Concept D. If I were to take a guess, though, I'd say the SUV will borrow its drivetrain from the CR-V, meaning customers will have to choose between the 2.0- and 2.4-liter four-pots. The smaller 1.8-liter, four-cylinder found in the XR-V, an HR-V compact crossover also built by Dongfeng, is also a possibility. As is the case with most vehicles sold exclusively in China, Honda will focus on fuel economy rather than performance with the production version of the Concept D.

Conclusion

Arguably one of the wildest concept cars Honda has showcased recently, the Concept D is as eye-catching as they get, although it's not necessarily a beauty contest winner. And even though the production version will keep very few of the concept's catchy exterior features, it will be as important for Honda as it will grant the company access to a new segment. Unfortunately, the Japanese plans for whatever the Concept D will spawn only include the Chinese market.