2013 Tokyo - Honda Vezel compact crossover makes its world debut

Crossovers and Utility Vehicles in all shapes and sizes are taking over the world big time. More specifically, the smaller, lighter and nimble compact crossovers are experiencing hitherto unseen levels of growth. With the all-new Vezel that made its global debut at the ongoing 2013 Tokyo Motor Show, Honda is the latest manufacturer to join this brigade.

Despite its looks suggesting otherwise, the Vezel, based on a platform that also underpins the new Jazz and City, is more a crossover than SUV. Sporting the brand’s new family design, the Vezel is sleek and modern, borrowing cues from other Honda models like Jazz, City and CR-V. In what could be termed as borderline fussy, the front end looks a bit cluttered with the three-part grille, the angular headlights and the bumper ridges vying for attention. With the arching windows and hidden rear door handles, the Vezel is designed to look like a coupe when viewed in profile. The strong character lines extend to the rear and, together with the sharp taillight clusters, make for an attractive rear three-quarter look.

The interiors are clean, modern and attractive with the center console’s clutter-free fittings looking classy and promising to impress in flesh. Hondas are always known for their good fit and finish and the Vezel wouldn’t be an exception. The power-train options are again shared with the Jazz and City, with a 1.5-liter i-VTEC petrol and a 1.5-liter i-DTEC diesel engine doing duty under the hood. While Japan will also have automatic transmission and Hybrid variants on offer, Honda’s intentions for the other markets aren’t clear at the moment.

With demand for compact SUVs booming in India, the Vezel should be a ‘de facto’ addition to Honda’s Indian lineup. But you never know, as the second-generation Jazz flopped spectacularly and its fortunes couldn’t be revived despite a massive price drop, leaving a bad taste with the top bosses at Honda. As and when Honda decides to bring this compact crossover here, we wish they also have the insight to change its name to something better and sweeter than Vezel.