Honda HR-V images shown at New York auto show

Honda has released images of the upcoming HR-V compact SUV, known globally as the Honda Vezel. The HR-V will be based on the Honda Fit, though the model itself will not be debuting at this year's New York auto show. The HR-V is expected to go on sale at the end of 2014, though Honda has not released extensive details about this new entry into the crossover segment. The HR-V will be aimed at the Nissan Juke and the Chevrolet Trax, with the latter going on sale around the same time.

The Honda HR-V was last seen in concept form at the Detroit auto show last year, and this week the company has released images of what they promise the production version will look like. The production version has carried over the tall ride height of the Urban SUV Concept, though its front fascia now resembles the CRV more than the concept did. The production version of the HR-V has kept all the basic lines of the concept car, though it has received a somewhat more conventional fascia. The HR-V has kept the position of the rear door handles in the rear quarter window, and the extruded tail lights have also migrated over from the concept. In short, a rather standard watering-down for production, including smaller wheel, a bit less brightwork and more conventional trim. Only a minimal amount of exterior design features appear to have been lost in translation.

Honda promises that the HR-V will have plenty of space inside, thanks to a center tank layout, and will feature what Honda calls the Magic Seat, which allows for several seating configurations and the option to fold the second-row seat completely flat for extra cargo room. The HR-V will be positioned below the CRV in Honda's SUV and crossover lineup, and you can expect the price of entry to reflect this.

Honda will announce availability and pricing for the new HR-V in the coming months.

The 2014 New York auto show runs April 16-27 and is expected to attract a range of production and concept cars including the 2015 Mustang convertible, BMW M4 convertible and next Hyundai Sonata. Check out Autoweek's complete coverage at autoweek.com/new-york-auto-show.

By Jay Ramey