IAB Report - USA-spec Honda HR-V compact SUV to be showcased at LA Auto Show next month
The HR-V could be powered by a 1.5-liter direct injection engine in the U.S.
Honda will stage the North American premiere of the Honda HR-V (Honda Vezel in Japan) at the Los Angeles Auto Show which starts on November 19. The HR-V was expected to be shown at this year's New York Auto Show, but Honda only released images of the car back then.
The Honda Fit (Jazz) based crossover will go on sale in the United States this winter and production will be from Honda's Mexican plant, which makes the hatch. The crossover measures 4,295 mm in length, 1,770 mm in width, 1,605 mm in height and 2,610 mm in wheelbase.
The HR-V will come with the Honda Magic Seat that allows the rear seats to be folded and moved in varying permutations and combinations to maximize storage capacity. With the seats unmoved, the boot space stands at 453 liters.
For the American market, the HR-V could be powered by a 1.5-liter four-cylinder direct-injection engine that will produce about 130 hp. Reports say that FWD and AWD variants will be offered with a CVT gearbox. Honda haven't announced the HR-V's specifications, and will do so only at the show.
Also see: Video - 2015 Honda CR-V Facelift
The Indian market will not get the HR-V or Vezel, rather a Brio-based compact SUV is reportedly under development for a launch in 2016.
Competitors: Nissan Juke, Chevrolet Trax
Expected Price: From about USD 17,000 (INR 10.41 lakhs)
