Honda Vezel was first launched in 1998. It was sold in Japan, Europe and some Asian countries before going on a 7-year hiatus, from 2006 to 2013. While the first-gen Vezel was based on the Honda Logo, the second-gen model that is available since 2013 took on a brand-new look based on Honda Fit. Japan and China, it was known as the Honda Vezel. However, in other markets, the SUV is sold under the HR-V nameplate.
Earlier this year, Honda has revealed the new-gen Honda Vezel. There are rumours suggesting that the new-gen Honda Vezel will be launched in India under the name Honda HR-V. According to some reports, the Europe-spec Honda HR-V might be slightly different from the Vezel in Japan.
The new Honda Vezel was spotted testing with a new design. Upfront, it will get a dominant grille flanked by LED headlights with DRLs, a more pronounced bumper with a skid plate. From the side, it is clear that Honda has made the Vezel sharper and more angular with an upright front, less sloped roof. To enhance the SUV-ish look, the Vezel will receive bolder shoulder lines, clearer flared wheel arches, and body black cladding running across the lower body and around the wheel arches. To the rear end, Honda Vezel is likely to get a roof-mounted spoiler, new LED taillights, and faux rear skid plate.
On the inside, the Honda Vezel will get a free-standing touchscreen infotainment with Honda Connect technologies, air-con controls, leather inserts, panoramic sunroof, automatic climate control, heated seats and so on. In addition, Honda Vezel is also packed with a Honda Sensing safety kit that includes a misstep collision mitigation system, adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection and avoidance, lane hold assist, collision mitigation braking, and traffic sign recognition.
Honda Vezel will come with naturally aspirated petrol. A hybrid powertrain is likely to come as an option as well. It is expected that Honda Vezel will be powered by a 1.5-litre petrol. This engine is expected to get a CVT gearbox. For the hybrid version, the petrol unit will work alongside two electric motors. The versatile hybrid system allows the Vezel to run on pure electric, hybrid or petrol-powered modes.
A few years, Honda India has opened up about the launch plan for the old-gen Honda HR-V. However, the plan was cancelled later. It is unlikely that Honda will launch the HR-V anytime soon. Honda has previously shelved the production and selling of Honda Civic and Honda CR-V in India.
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