Honda revealed a new production model at the Tokyo Motor Show, which will be called Vezel on the Japanese market.
Previewed by the Urban SUV concept in Detroit earlier this year, the small crossover will arrive in the USA next year and in Europe during 2015, with the names of the European and North American specification models to be confirmed nearer to launch.
Featuring a coupe-like styling with hidden rear door handles and a sharp character line, the SUV looks like a cross between the Civic and the CR-V. When it launches in Japan on December 20, 2013, the Vezel will be available with two powertrains – a hybrid and a petrol model.
The hybrid model will be equipped with the Sport Hybrid i-DCD (Intelligent Dual Clutch Drive) that combines a 1.5-liter direct injection engine with a high output electric motor, while the petrol model will feature a 1.5-liter direct injection engine. Honda promises the two Vezel models will deliver both “dynamic driving character and excellent fuel economy”.
By Dan Mihalascu
PHOTO GALLERY
