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Dongfeng Honda Concept D Previews China-Only Crossover at Shanghai 2015

Honda and its Chinese joint venture partner Dongfeng have revealed a new crossover SUV concept at the Auto Shanghai 2015 show today. It's called the Concept D, and its design is surprisingly refreshing, especially when you compare it to the plain-ol' CR-V.
Dongfeng Honda Concept D 24 photos
Photo: Catalin Garmacea
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It's easy to be taken in with the design of a concept car and get disappointed by the production model. But Honda ensures us they will stick to this aggressive look when the yet unnamed model goes into production.

This D-segment SUV is going to be individually tailored to the Chinese consumer's needs. Honda Motor China Investment General Manager Kuraishi Seiji was on stage and suggested the Concept D will become a value-rich flagship that will change perception of the brand.

The front end is dominated by the wing-like design of the metallic grille. On the top and bottom, an array of LEDs hugs the metal tightly, after which they flow down to form an air intake.

The profile of the concept we saw in Shanghai was bulky and masculine, but reminded us of a sleek wagon like the Accord Crosstour, not a full-on SUV. The mirrors are tiny, and the door handles fit flush into the body, but that's to be expected from a concept.

Just like on the Vezel/HR-V, Honda has aggressively sloped the rear hatch and even decided to add a spoiler. The large air vents integrated into the bumper don't make any sense, but they look cool and give a clear indication that this is a plug-in car (the powertrain was not revealed).

We're going to have to wait another few year before seeing how the story of this large crossover ends. For now though, Honda is launching the CR-V facelift and new City sedan in China, via Shanghai 2015.
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About the author: Mihnea Radu
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Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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