The compact and mini SUVs are the rage in the latest times in the global auto markets. Thus, all the auto majors of the world are churning out as many compact crossovers as possible in order to cash in on this very lucrative segment. After the launch of the compact SUV Vezel in the home market last December, the Japanese car maker Honda Motor is all set to launch the same SUV model in the U.S as well as the European car markets.
New Honda Vezel compact SUV
The Honda Vezel will be called the HR-V for the U.S car markets and the Japanese auto major has announced it earlier this year. Now, it seems that Honda Motor is busy giving the final touches to the European version of the Vezel and is almost ready to launch the vehicle in the European car markets as well.
The new Honda Vezel SUV’s prototype model was recently caught by the spy shutterbugs while the vehicle was testing on European roads with full camouflages in place. The Vezel or the HR-V compact SUV is based on the platform of the new Jazz / Fit hatchback and thus is a very capable and reliable vehicle. The vehicle was caught testing the ground of Europe near the Alps in the current month, and the vehicle was spotted covering its entire body with black spandex veils.
As per the spy pictures, the European spec model of the Vezel apparently does not look much different than the Vezel or the HR-V versions. However, it is expected that Honda Motor has incorporated some minor cosmetic alterations in order to make it look a bit different for the European car markets. These cosmetic changes might include the headlight and tail light enclosures as well as front and rear bumper designs, which should bring about a slight exclusive look to the vehicle.
Honda Motor has already made it clear in its statement that the company will not use the Vezel moniker for the compact SUV outside Asia. However, the same SUV will be called the HR-V albeit with some minor modifications and in the European car markets as well. Honda has yet not decided on the name of the European model which will also come along with a tweaked chassis.
Under the hood, the European spec Honda Vezel will get the powertrains of the latest Jazz hatchback. The compact SUV is likely to be powered by the company’s new 1.6 liter turbo diesel motor and a 1.5 liter direct injected 4-cylinder petrol mill. Other powertrain options might include a 1.5 liter hybrid engine which is already being offered in the Japanese car market; a 1.5 liter turbocharged petrol engine might also join the range at a later date.
The new European spec of Honda compact SUV will be competing with the Nissan Juke and Opel/Vauxhall Mokka. The vehicle is expected to premiere at the 2014 Paris Auto Show or at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show.
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I have been writing content for auto blogs for quite a long time now. My passion lies in this field and I love to picture cars as well.
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