Honda has revealed the Honda Vezel compact SUV at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show. This is Honda’s take at the compact SUV/crossover market, one which has seen huge growth across the world. The crossover in Honda’s own words, has “the dynamic qualities of an SUV, the elegance of a coupe and the functionality of a minivan.” In India, this segment is dominated by the Ford EcoSport, Renault Duster etc.
While Hond has not released all the details about the Honda Vezel, what we do know is that in Japan it will be offered with petrol and hybrid powertrains. The basic petrol motor will be a 1.5-litre unit, which can either be had as such or be combined with a high-output electric motor. Honda promises high-performance and high fuel-efficiency on both engine options.
In Photos: 2014 Honda Vezel
The Vezel looks pretty good we have to say. It looks like the smaller cousin of the CR-V, but is better looking, with the sloping coupe-like roofline, the striking headlamps, tight body-sculpturing and details like the hidden rear-door handles (a feature we first saw in the Chevrolet Beat in India). Expect it to be able to seat 5 people easily, and with Hond’as ability to conjure up storage spaces as if by magic, you can expect the interiors to be a happy place to be in. The interiors showcased at the Tokyo Motor Show may not be carried over tho the model launched in India though, things like the huge touch screen multimedia system and touch-control panel for the A/C may be ditched for conventional systems to keep costs in check. In India you can expect the Honda Vezel to also be offered with the 1.5-litre diesel unit currently being used on the Honda Amaze.
The Honda Vezel is based on the 2013 Honda Urban SUV concept showcased during the 2013 Noth American International Auto Show in January. The platform used in the crossover is the same one that is used on the upcoming Jazz hatchback, which in turn will also be used for the upcoming Honda City. Check out the differences between the concept and the production car below:
Honda will release more details about the crossover when it formally launched on 19th December 2013, and we will update all the relevant details in this story. Honda is expected to showcase the crossover during the 2014 Indian Auto Expo and is expected to launch the car later in the year. Keep tuned in to Car Blog India.
