Honda HR-V European Prototype to Be Revealed in Paris

The HR-V arrives in the same segment as the Renault Captur and Peugeot 2008, yet brings a different flavor. Its front end design is sharp and complicated, compared to the elegantly simple look of French crossover. That's because unlike the Civic, this car was originally designed in Japan for local consumers. Sold domestically as the Vezel, this was one of the best sold models in the country at the beginning of the 2014, especially due to a new hybrid powertrain.

The platform is to be shared with the next generation Jazz supermini, which has also been available in Japan for some time now, but has been slow to make its European debut. Design-wise, the HR-V has a sportier look than the bigger CR-V, sitting more solidly over its wheel arches and adopting a sloped tailgate inspired by coupes.

In the section below this story, we're showing you a Japanese-spec Vezel Hybrid model, just to give you an idea of what to expect. As you can see, the car is packed with tech features and has one of the largest interiors in the class due to a centrally mounted fuel tank.

No specific details about the engines were provided, but we expect the base 1.5-liter petrol VTEC to be offered alongside one of Honda's latest i-DTEC diesels (1.5 from Asian models or 1.6 from the Civic) and a maybe even a hybrid. Sales will start in Britain during the Summer of 2015.

“The HR-V is a very welcome addition to our current model line up, it is a very popular and growing market segment that appeals to both retail and corporate customers. The dealer network are very much looking forward to receiving the car in their showrooms and every UK dealer will be making the trip to Paris to see the car on show," said Leon Brannan, Honda UK's Head of Cars, in an official statement today.