Honda finally pulled up the wraps from the much awaited Urban SUV concept, which is now christened as VEZEL. The company unveiled the production version of the Vezel SUV at the 43rd Tokyo Motor Show 2013 and promised to share more details on the 19th December and will go on sale in Japan from the following day.
The Urban SUV takes a few design cues from big brother CR-V. The Vezel combines the looks of a SUV and coupe together by the sharp character lines to create an inspiring and emotional exterior design. The interior design offers high-quality personal space for the front seats and minivan-like elbowroom, comfort and functionality for the rear seats continuing Honda’s Man Maximum Machine Minimum concept.
The front end borrows the new grille design also found on the new Jazz/Fit. Overall the Vezel looks sporty and impressive. On the inside the Honda continues to offer high quality interiors, with driver side tilt instrument console, steering wheel similar to the CR-V, a full centre console and unique passenger air vents. Based on the Jazz platform, the Vezel will also feature magic seats which fold to offer maximum space.
The Vezel will be offered with a hybrid and 1.5 petrol engine option. The hybrid model will be equipped with SPORT HYBRID i-DCD (Intelligent Dual Clutch Drive) that combines a 1.5 L direct injection engine with a high-output motor. We could expect the new Honda engine line-up announced to fused on the Vezel.
India Launch : 2014 End or early 2015
The Vezel will most likely make its India debut end 2014 or early 2015. The Vezel will be offered with a choice of 1.5 VTEC petrol motor sourced from the new Honda City and 1.5 diesel motor which does duty on the Amaze sedan.
The Urban SUV will compete with the likes of Nissan Terrano, Ford EcoSport, Renault Duster and upcoming Maruti Suzuki XA Alpha. We could a the Honda SUV to be priced in the range of Rs. 8-12 lakhs.
Honda plans to sell 1.5 million units of the Vezel by 2016 globally and will be offered in both 2 & 4 wheel drive option.
