TOKYO: The third generation of the Honda HR-V or Vezel has made its world premiere in Japan ahead of domestic showroom sales in April.
Markets around the world will get this version later this year except in North America, where Honda is releasing a different version of the crossover to cater to their taste. That version would also debut later this year.
Back to the Japanese Vezel or HR-V to the rest of us. This time around, Honda has opted for a cleaner and more grown-up look, avoiding the creases commonly seen in the previous-gen HR-V. The new HR-V looks bigger too though Honda has not revealed dimensions yet.
The front has a "unified" face, with thin slates of the grille appearing to blend in with the bumper. At the same time, slimmer headlights with upper LED daytime running lights create a visual connection as a result of a chrome strip straddling the grille.
From the side view, one can see that Honda has retained the hidden rear door handle that works well with the coupe roof line. The back sees some radical revamp in keeping with current trends to stretch tail lights among car makers. Honda has copied the same format with an LED light bar spanning across the tail lamps.
Honda is offering wheel sizes of 16 to 18 inches depending on trim level. Expect a powered tailgate in the higher-end variants.
The new HR-V will feature a panoramic glass roof lending the interior an airy feel.
The cabin sees major changes in the form of a tablet-like infotainment system with a nine-inch touchscreen.
Also new is a large air cond vent that strteches across the dash, interrupted only by the meter cluster. Useful features like Honda's Magic Seats for versatile storage configurations are carried over from the second generation.
Honda said it would start selling a hybrid in Japan with a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine mated to two electric motors for AWD capability. The same combo in the hybrid Jazz makes 107hp by the way. A cheaper 2WD non-hybrid variant would also be offered.
