Think urban, and you think Element. Since its debut three years ago as a 2004 model, the Element has always had a gritty, urban appeal.

For an SUV, it’s cool, arguably, one of the most successful marketing plays by an automaker – with a new vehicle – so quite some time. Consider: it’s a boxy SUV, loaded with plastic cladding and with a rubber sole interior.

Now it’s really urban, thanks to the debut of the Honda Element SC – a gamer-gone-to-heaven Element to be offered as a newly designed variant of the existing Element. The most noticeable changes are fully painted plastic panels, which is now standard on all 2006 Elements, but a big change from 2005 to 2006. Other upgrades include a lowered stance – 3 inches – with a sport suspension that delivers what Honda says is “sports car-like handling” a front and rear body kit, projector beam headlights and a black grille.

Inside, the cabin is dressed with copper accents and hues, and offers a more driver-centric instrument panel, featuring backlit LEDs. Also new are enclosed storage areas, designed for mp3 players and cell phones. Under the hood, the Element SC has a 2.4-liter engine that generates 10 more horsepower, up to 166. A five-speed manual transmission is standard with the Element SC, though an automatic transmission will be offered. The Element SC, which will be available later this year, rides on 21-inch wheels.

Photos courtesy of DaimlerChrysler