Honda is resurrecting a name from its not-so-distant past for the North American version of the Fit / Jazz-based Vezel compact crossover, which it announced and previewed through a set of photos, but didn’t bring on stage, at the New York Auto Show today: the HR-V.
The original HR-V (see pictures below) was a funky looking crossover model available in both three- and five-door body styles produced from 1999 until 2006, which was never offered in the States.
The new 2015 HR-V is almost identical in appearance to the Japanese market Vezel, with the only changes we spotted on the outside being the different treatment for the front grille and headlamp fixtures, and the smaller door mirrors that do not include turning signals.
Honda said that the HR-V will “feature a versatile and spacious interior thanks to a unique center tank layout” and will be equipped with the “Honda-exclusive Magic Seat, which allows for multiple seating configurations and the ability to fold the second row seat completely flat for added cargo space”.
No further details were shared, but since it rides on the same global compact platform that underpins the Fit, we should see the entry level model fitted with a 1.5-liter direct injected four-cylinder unit connected to a CVT. Honda is also considering a turbocharged version of the same engine.
The New HR-V will arrive in U.S. showrooms this winter.
By John Halas
2015 HONDA HR-V
1999-2006 HONDA HR-V
