Sure, the Honda Element boasts a highly versatile interior with very good utility, but perhaps it's not hip enough for you. Then step up to the performance SC version.

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With many calling it an urban cruiser, the SC's exclusive features include 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in low-profile rubber, a lower ride height, stiffer sport suspension, blacked-out grille, projector-beam headlamps, copper-color backlit gauges, tattoo-print seat fabric, plus five striking paint colors.

The paint colors suit the SC's outgoing personality and almost sound better than they look: Alabaster Silver, Galaxy Gray Metallic, Nighthawk Black Pearl, Royal Blue Pearl and a very eye-catching Root Beer Metallic.

Not only are the headlights of the projector-beam variety, they are also contained within more conventional and attractive housings than the regular Element, which has multi-reflector halogen units.

The SC comes equipped with the 270-watt stereo system that is optional on the LX Element and standard on the top-line EX. It features seven speakers, a subwoofer, MP3 capability and XM satellite radio.

Like the regular Element, the SC is big on cargo carrying with its boxy design, large clamshell tailgate and side doors that swing wide open with no interfering pillar between them.

The interior can also be configured 64 different ways, with rear seats that can be flipped up, folded down or completely removed. Bikes can be transported standing up.

Power comes from a 2.4-liter 166-horsepower four-cylinder connected to a five-speed manual or optional five-speed automatic transmission.

EPA fuel economy is rated at 18 mpg in the city and 23 on the highway for the manual. Both these numbers improve by two mpg with the automatic, to 20 and 25.

Unfortunately the Element SC is not available with Honda's Real Time all-wheel drive as other Elements are, highlighting its more urban purpose.