Acura CDX Trademarked: Small Luxury Crossover Based On Honda HR-V To Come?

The 2016 Honda HR-V subcompact crossover hasn't quite made it to U.S. showrooms, but there is already speculation that it could spawn a related model.

Specifically, that Fit-based crossover could trade its "H" grille badge for an "A."

DON'T MISS: 2016 Honda HR-V: Live Photos, Video, And Details From 2014 LA Auto Show

Honda leverages many of its vehicle platforms for luxury Acura models, so could it do the same with the HR-V?

A seeming indication of that plan is Honda's recent trademark of the name "CDX," reported by AutoGuide.

The trademark was filed February 11 with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, covering "automobiles and their structural parts."

Acura SUV-X concept, 2013 Shanghai Auto Show

CDX seems to indicate a crossover, since it matches the naming scheme used for the current RDX and MDX.

There has already been speculation that Honda is considering a subcompact Acura crossover.

One of the chief engineers for the HR-V--known as the Vezel in other markets--discussed that possibility early last year, even before the HR-V name and North American specifications were confirmed.

MORE: Honda Fit-Based Crossover To Spawn Small Acura Luxury Utility?

Honda and Acura routinely share vehicle platforms and powertrains. The Acura ILX is essentially an upmarket version of the Honda Civic, and the RDX shares its platform with the CR-V.

Acura previously showed a subcompact crossover concept called the SUV-X at the 2013 Shanghai Motor Show.

While geared towards the Chinese market, it could serve as a styling template for the HR-V-based CDX.

2016 Honda HR-V, debut at 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show

If the CDX turns out to be real, its main competition would likely be the Buick Encore--the only model of the recent crop of tiny crossovers that has come from an upscale brand.

Luxury carmakers are building more small sedans and crossovers these days, but it's unclear whether any would follow Acura into the subcompact realm.

While Acura can leverage an existing vehicle--and increase profits by selling it at a higher price--it may not be worthwhile for other carmakers to develop new platforms for this segment.

While the recent success of models like the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class shows U.S. luxury buyers are willing to downsize, they typically aren't as interested in two of the main benefits of a small vehicle--fuel economy and price.

Given that, it'll be interesting to see how small buyers are willing to go.

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