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Honda XR-V Concept Shows a New Take on Vezel for China

With sales of the Honda Vezel already underway in Japan, Honda is beginning a rollout of its subcompact crossover around the world. In the near future, the Vezel will be available to buyers in the U.S. and Europe as the HR-V, and now it looks like Honda is planning a special version of this vehicle for the Chinese as previewed by the XR-V Concept.
Honda XR-V Concept 1 photo
Photo: Honda
Revealed at the Chengdu Motor Show last week, the Honda XR-V Concept wears more than just a different name from the Vezel and HR-V that we’ve already seen. Instead, the XR-V Concept reveals a largely reworked exterior design that aims to give the small ute a more impactful appearance. This new look starts at the front of the XR-V, which from the A-pillar forward is unique from the Vezel and HR-V. The front fascia does add a little athleticism to the styling with the squared-off edges housing the turn signals and fog lights. Honda also gave the XR-V narrower headlights and grille as well as a longer, less-sloped hood.

Moving beyond the nose, the XR-V continues to show its differentiation with wider front fenders and new side body work that replaces the upward swoosh of the Vezel and HR-V with two strong body creases and more prominent rear haunches. It even looks like the sheet metal change carried over into the rear quarter panel. Although Honda has only revealed this single image of the XR-V, the rear of the crossover has been equally tweaked with an entirely new rear styling. The separated, drooping taillights of the Vezel/HR-V have been replaced with narrower, LED lights that span the entire width of the rear end. The new fascia offers a sportier look with vertical reflectors built into the faux vents. The new SUV-like appearance was completed with the two-tone, five-spoke wheels and the roof rails.

Even the interior is slightly different from the Vezel with the horizontal HVAC vents replaced by round vents giving a more upscale and attractive cabin. There is no telling if Honda plans to produce this design for a production XR-V in China or if it’s just a design concept, but it sure is an improvement over the Vezel and HR-V.
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