Acura is reportedly considering the launch of a compact crossover based on the Honda Vezel, which debuted at the 2013 Motor Show and is due in local showrooms later this year, most likely under a new name. The information comes from one of the Vezel’s engineers, who told Automotive News (subscription required) that Acura is investigating whether it should launch its own version of the car.

The engineer, Naohisa Morishita, offered up Acura’s SUV-X concept from the 2013 Shanghai Auto Show as an example of what’s possible. A production version of the SUV-X concept has been confirmed for a Chinese market launch in 2016 but Morishita sees such a vehicle being popular elsewhere.

"There is a market for it worldwide, not just in China," Morishita is reported to have said. "Personally, I think Acura needs it."

If Acura were to launch a compact crossover based on the Vezel in the U.S., the vehicle would face some stiff competition from the likes of the BMW X1 and upcoming Audi Q3, Lincoln MKC and Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class. Convincing buyers to opt for the Acura version instead of the Vezel will also be a challenge, something Lincoln will also have to address with its MKC and Escape twins.

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