Sales of Honda's new compact SUV begin in Japan this week. It's called the Vezel in its domestic market, a title that is not expected to remain when the Jazz-based crossover arrives in Ireland in 2015.
Exterior
Honda describes the Vezel as having "the dynamic qualities of an SUV, the elegance of a coupe and the functionality of a minivan". From a styling point of view, that could catastrophic, but happily it seems that Honda's design team have pulled it off. Up front is an enormous sea of gloss black on the grille that we've come to know of Hondas of late; giving the illusion that the Vezel is bigger than it really is. Moving rearwards Honda has given the Vezel its coupé-like looks by sloping the window-line as opposed to the roofline; so rear headroom shouldn't be compromised by its styling. Hidden rear door handles help complete the sporty image from the side, while at the back there's a pair of large light clusters, some styling creases and a roof spoiler.
Interior
Being an SUV, interior space is key and, once again, it does seem as though Honda has done well on this front. The manufacturer claims that you can store three golf bags in its 453-litre boot space without having to kick out your rear passengers; although this figure does include the cubbyhole hidden under the boot floor. Up front, the sporty styling continues from the outside with a high-riding centre console that appears to cocoon you in front of the driver-focused dashboard. The steering wheel comes with plenty of buttons. In the middle there's an infotainment system that's likely to contain the company's new HondaLink set-up that's now available in the latest Civic. However, don't expect every version to have this when the car's launched.
Mechanicals
So far, we've only been given word on the hybrid powertrain that will be available for the Vezel in Japan. Called Sport Hybrid i-DCD, it comprises a 1.5-litre direct injection petrol engine and a high output electric motor. Honda says that the resulting power is equivalent to that of its 2.0-litre engine with the benefit of having lower running costs. We also know that the Vezel will come equipped with the company's new Real Time All-Wheel-Drive system for those who want it; or as a standard front-drive model for those who don't. Safety gadgets and driver aids include an electronic handbrake and Automatic Brake Hold as well as the usual barrage of airbags and stability control systems.
Anything else?
Sales of the Vezel in Japan will commence on 20th December, but we'll have to wait until 2015 before we get our unnamed variant in Ireland. Engine options, trim levels and prices will be confirmed as its launch date draws nearer. Our money is on a resurrection of the Honda HR-V name.