Photo: Honda
Right in the middle of the worst financial crisis in recent history, the automotive world decided a new niche car was needed. Just like sedans got much smaller during the 80s oil crisis, so too did the SUV shrink. Renault has the Captur, GM offers the Mokka and Trax and now, Honda has one as well.
It's called the Vezel, and the Japanese automaker just revealed it at the Tokyo Motor Show. "Vezel" is likely just the domestic market name for this car, which they are calling an urban SUV, but we think is actually a small crossover.
Full details have not been released and will become public on December 19th, when the Vezel goes on sale in Japan. Right now, we do know that it will have petrol and hybrid engines and that the hybrid model will be fitted with a Sport Hybrid i-DCD (Intelligent Dual Clutch Drive). This combines a 1.5-liter direct-injected engine with an electric motor. This is obviously the same powertrain as the Fit Hybrid launched two months ago in the country.
The fact that the Vezel and Fit share a powertrain indicates this model is the B-segment Fit we've been hearing about. It should go on sale in the US and Europe, offered primarily with front-wheel drive and sittin below the CR-V.
Full details have not been released and will become public on December 19th, when the Vezel goes on sale in Japan. Right now, we do know that it will have petrol and hybrid engines and that the hybrid model will be fitted with a Sport Hybrid i-DCD (Intelligent Dual Clutch Drive). This combines a 1.5-liter direct-injected engine with an electric motor. This is obviously the same powertrain as the Fit Hybrid launched two months ago in the country.
The fact that the Vezel and Fit share a powertrain indicates this model is the B-segment Fit we've been hearing about. It should go on sale in the US and Europe, offered primarily with front-wheel drive and sittin below the CR-V.
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