Honda launches the Vezel compact SUV in Japan, which will reach Europe in 2015

Tomorrow Honda will begin selling its new compact SUV in Japan. Named the Vezel, this family vehicle will come in two variants, one petrol and the other hybrid, plus a version with all-wheel drive. All of these options will be offered in Japan; it will arrive in Europe in 2015.

Even for a market as particular as Japan’s, launching a compact SUV is the right trend, especially when the models are developed for their home market and will later have a presence in the USA. As the Vezel is a compact vehicle, Honda has decided it should have a European counterpart, although the specifications have not yet been revealed.

The Vezel was shown at the recent Tokyo Motor Show. Initially known as the Urban SUV, the Vezel has been characterised by its exterior design, a kind of combination of coupé and SUV silhouette, with lines that are pleasant yet at the same time aggressive for a family vehicle. Honda anticipates that the Vezel’s equipment will include electric parking brake and automatic hill-hold as standard across all variants. A load capacity of 453 litres is also expected, with a double-level compartment in the cargo area.

At least for the Japanese market, the engines will be based on a 1.5-litre direct-injection unit. The hybrid variant will incorporate the brand’s next generation of hybrid powertrains alongside the same petrol engine, comprising an additional electric motor. This model will be equipped with an “intelligent” dual-clutch gearbox, and for both versions all-wheel drive is planned with electronic torque distribution.

No fuel consumption figures have been given, but Honda says it will be the most economical vehicle in this segment in the Land of the Rising Sun. We should surely have the first indications of the Vezel for the European market next year.

Source | Honda