Honda compact SUV HR-V/ Vezel to rival Ford Ecosport globally

Honda HR-V/Vezel, whatever they name it, is the Japanese manufacturers new global compact SUV and it is highly expected that the company will launch this SUV by the end of this year in US. This year the company will be launching its first MPV Mobilio and nex-gen Honda Jazz, so a lot is going on in the Honda's Indian stable. When launched in the global market, the HR-V/ Vezel will compete against the updated Dacia Duster, Ford EcoSport, Nissan Terrano, Upcoming Hyundai ix25 and also the highly anticipated Chevrolet Trax.

The company showcased the Honda HR-V at the ongoing New York International Auto Show (NYIAS). The SUV is based on the new Jazz/Fit platform. The car will go on sale in the fall of 2014 in US. There are no words from Honda that they would launch this car anytime soon in India. The company said that the new HR-V features Honda's Magic seats, remember the one found in the discontinued Jazz in India, expect the SUV to feature plenty of storage combination.

Speaking of the engines, This compact SUV will be made available in both the fuel trims. The petrol variant of the SUV is expected to carry the manufacturer's tried and tested 1.5-litre i-VTEC engine which belts out a maximum power of 117.3bhp and peak torque of 146Nm. The engine is coupled to a five-speed manual transmission while it might get an option of CVT transmission. Moreover, the diesel model will house company's quintessential 1.5-litre i-DTEC 'Earth Dreams' motor, that churns out 98.6bhp of power and 200Nm of maximum torque. The engine is mated only to five speed manual transmission (the compact SUV might get six-speed manual from the City). Both the engine powers the front wheel and the compact SUV stands on monocoque chassis.

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