After releasing its new small SUV as the Vezel in Japan last December and announcing the car as the HR-V for the States earlier this year, Honda is placing the final touches to the European version.
The spy crew at GTB Photography filmed the Jazz / Fit–based car testing on European soil at the Alps this month wearing a black spandex. Overall, it doesn’t look any different than the Vezel or the HR-V, but Honda may have made some minor changes to the light fixtures and bumper designs on both ends.
Honda has said that the Vezel moniker will not be used outside Asia, but has yet to name the European model that will feature a tweaked chassis.
Under the body you’ll find the underpinnings of the latest Jazz supermini, with power to likely come from Honda’s new 1.6-liter turbodiesel and a 1.5-liter direct injected four-cylinder petrol. Other options may include the 1.5-liter hybrid powertrain already offered in Japan and possibly, a 1.5-liter turbocharged petrol down the line.
The competition for Honda’s new entry level SUV will include the Nissan Juke and Opel / Vauxhall Mokka.
If not at the Paris Auto Show in October, then the new Honda should make its first appearance at the Geneva Motor Show next March.