Acura’s Encore? Concept SUV-X Small Crossover Debuts for China [2013 Shanghai Auto Show]

Unlike its parent company Honda’s oddball Shanghai reveals, Acura’s lone debut was neither strange nor particularly bad-looking. (Honda’s trio of vehicles unveiled in China—one concept and two production cars—were pretty hit or miss, to say the least.) Instead, Acura’s Concept SUV-X is a rather sharp little SUV that the brand intends to build and sell in China within three years. Although the SUV-X previews a production model designed with China in mind, Acura says the tall wagon will be a global small SUV, meaning it could ultimately show up here.

Unfortunately, Acura did not reveal what powers the SUV-X or even exactly how big it is. Luckily, a few photos from the crossover’s Shanghai debut show it with people standing nearby, lending at least a modicum of scale. Given that most of the people in the photos are taller than the SUV-X, we’re guessing that it’s pretty small. In fact, proportionally, we think it has a lot in common with the Honda Urban SUV concept from this year’s Detroit auto show. The Honda Urban SUV is Fit-based, and thus smaller than the CR-V, as well as Acura’s architecturally similar RDX.

Also like the Urban SUV concept, the Acura SUV-X is attractive, with a pleasant mixture of curves and sharp edges. We especially like the rear-end treatment, which is aggressive and unique, even if there are a few more creases than are necessary. The squared-off roofline seemingly is pulled right off of the 2014 MDX, and lends the small rig a formal and luxurious appearance. Finally, and most important, the SUV-X’s decorative grille slat is an incredible step forward—stylistically, that is—for Acura, whose corporate mug of late is too beaky and shield-like for our taste.

With the latest RDX watered down, less turbocharged, and fairly conventional-looking, Acura could use a zesty, less-expensive small crossover to lure in hip young buyers. The SUV-X, therefore, could be the brand’s exciting Buick Encore alternative, either in China—where Buick is extremely popular—or here. We wouldn’t hold our breath considering the SUV-X won’t even hit China for another three years. But a tiny entry-luxury crossover would be a shrewd addition to Acura’s U.S. lineup and give Honda further economies of scale for its next-generation Fit platform, which also will underpin a tiny Honda SUV and a sedan.