Honda Vezel

With all the shutterbugs buzzing around and gossiping regarding Honda's India-bound Urban SUV, amidst all this drama the company has unveiled the requisite SUV which is titled, 'Vezel' at the Tokyo Motor Show. The Japanese automaker has always been known across the globe for its exquisite exterior designs and impeccable engine performance; the reflection of both these virtues can be noticed in the SUV. Anticipation and enthusiasm from the people in the Indian sub-continent was on the peak point in order to see a glimpse of it, and as the company has unveiled it people can breathe a sigh of relief now. Honda has kept the versatility factor quite high this time around as it has filled the vehicle with the dynamics of an SUV, the elegance of a coupe and the functionality of a coupe. The carmaker has structured it using the Jazz's platform and at the same time giving it a totally unique and refreshing appearance. In exteriors, it gets curves, low roofline and a broader stance. It can be seen as the most innovative, contemporary and sophisticated creation of Honda in modern time as it has everything ranging from appearance to engine performance.

This India-bound SUV would be launched in petrol as well as diesel fuel trim, unlike Japan where it is also being introduced in Hybrid trim. The petrol variants would be powered by the 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder, 16-valve, SOHC enabled i-VTEC engine which is already performing duties to Honda's mid-sized sedan, City. This petrol engine is tested and tried quite a lot of times and it has yielded fair results for Honda. Hence, it will be now seen with this Urban SUV where it will generate a maximum power of 116.3bhp at 6600rpm and a peak torque of 146Nm at 4800rpm. As this engine lies behind the success of City, it will be delightful to see how it goes on with the Vezel.

The Urban SUV would also be offered in the diesel fuel trims. In diesel, it will attain its power from the 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder, 16-valve, DOHC based i-DTEC engine. This frugal engine is already powering Honda's another sedan, Amaze and it is receiving a phenomenal response there from the critics as well as audiences. This highly efficient engine is capable of producing a maximum power of 98.6 bhp at 3600rpm and a highest torque of 200 Nm at 1750 rpm. It has received several accolades from the critics and public for its best-in-class fuel efficiency of 25.8kmpl. Hence, it can be acknowledged that it will further carry the unmatchable legacy of Honda, globally.

It is believed that the SUV would be launched with both manual and automatic transmission for the Indian shores, however, things are not clear yet. The interior cabin of this SUV is filled with comfort and luxury as several popular and prominent features found themselves in it. Highly spacious along with broader seats, it is surely going to woo the sub-continent. Additionally, its being rumored that Rear Parking Camera, Cruise Control and Steering mounted Audio Controls are present in it to further simplify things and minimize human efforts.

Thus, it would be amazing to see how it fares against the likes of Renault Duster, Ford EcoSport, Nissan Terrano, who are currently dominating the Indian automotive market in this segment of vehicles. Pricing would be an another factor which would also matter a lot and decide it initial fate in India. There is a strong possibility that it would see the daylight in India either by the last quarter of 2014 or in the first quarter of 2015. Whatever time it comes, it is surely going to make a grand impact in this highly competitive segment of vehicles and unsettle certain nerves.