TOKYO MOTOR SHOW: Honda VEZEL compact SUV

Honda has taken the wraps off the production version of its light-segment SUV, dubbed VEZEL, at the Tokyo motor show.

The Jazz-based SUV will be launched in Japan on December 20, with Honda telling gathered press that much of the specification information will be withheld until the day prior.

Thus far, Honda has done a remarkable job of keeping details of the VEZEL to itself, and said at the launch simply that the model combines the best attributes of "coupe-like styling" and "SUV-like" ability with "minivan-like" interior space.

Like the drivetrain options powering the new Jazz (Fit), it is anticipated the VEZEL will feature 1.3- and 1.5-litre DOHC four-cylinder petrol engines, a 1.5-litre petrol-electric hybrid and an as yet unannounced turbo-diesel, likely the 1.6-litre found powering the CR-V in Europe.

In Japan, both petrol and petrol-electric hybrid variants will be offered, though locally we expect petrol and diesel models to be offered. Like the Jazz (Fit) on which it is based, the VEZEL will be offered in two- and all-wheel drive formats, though Honda Australia director Stephen Collins told motoring.com.au that we should only expect the former Down Under.

"We are planning to have both diesel and petrol, but we are going to concentrate on two-wheel drive," Collins stipulated.?

"It’s a massively growing segment and we are predicting that over the next couple of years it’s only going to continue to grow.

"Over the next few years, the small SUV segment may actually get as big as the medium SUV segment, and we think customers are coming out of small hatches and into these types of cars," concluded Collins.

As for when we’re likely to see the model in Australia Honda’s local boss was uncertain, saying that although HMCA had put their hand up for the model as soon as it becomes available, the likelihood based on current production schedules was that we wouldn’t see the VEZEL in Australia for at least twelve months.

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