Small SUV from Honda – VEZEL

Small SUV from Honda – VEZEL

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Tokyo, 20 November 2013 – Honda Japan has unveiled a SUV that is smaller than the very popular CR-V at the 43rd Tokyo Motor Show held at the BIG Site on the outskirts of Tokyo. Based on the Honda City platform, the new SUV is called the VEZEL, and it goes on sale immediately in the domestic Japanese market.

According to a statement by Honda, the Vezel is a completely new model “that goes beyond the boundaries of automobile categories by fusing together multifaceted values at a high level, including the dynamic qualities of an SUV, the elegance of a coupe, and the functionality of a minivan.”

In terms of looks, it certainly is a fresh new look from what we are used to seeing in the CR-V, being much sleeker, and appealing to the eyes. Whilst the lower part of the body embodies the qualities of an SUV – high ground clearance, and robust construction, plus larger overfenders, the upper part retains the ‘softer’ values of a sports coupe. The overall affect is a pretty nice looking cross-over-coupe-like vehicle that should appeal to both males and females alike.

The domestic model in Japan will have both a 1.5 litre direct injection gasoline engine version, and a hybrid version. Honda also stated that there is a new generation powertrain, particularly the hybrid model, which is quoted as having the SPORT HYBRID i-DCD which denotes Intelligent Dual Clutch Drive. No details are provided at this stage, but the description suggests and electronically controlled dual clutch system, never before seen in any Honda vehicles sold in Malaysia.

As at this moment, we do know that Honda Malaysia are observing the new model with interest, so there is some chance that it might make its way here, if ‘the conditions are right’.

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