Compared to HR-V, the Honda XR-V has an athletic presence courtesy of its SUV stance to become a direct rival for the Hyundai Creta
Honda sells the HR-V, also known as Vezel, in many international markets with significant success. However, it opted not to use the same crossover body style in China and in came the XR-V with a modern compact SUV design. It is exclusively retailed in the Chinese market and manufactured under the Dongfeng-Honda joint venture.
Slotted below the Honda CR-V, it is based on the same platform as the HR-V and gets several visual modifications to refrain from looking like the crossover. The conceptual form of Honda XR-V made its global debut at the 2014 edition of Chengdu Motor Show before subsequently launching in the market.
It features a thoroughly revised front fascia compared to the HR-V/Vezel sold by Guangqi Honda in China with redesigned grille comprising of signature ‘Solid Wing Face’ design, reworked horizontally aligned tail lamps, updated body panels, sharper headlamps, and plastic cladding all around.
The Japanese auto giant has made changes to the interior as the dashboard gets styling updates to differentiate itself from the HR-V. Rumours of the HR-V entering India have been for long and Honda has not officially responded to them yet.
Considering the increased affinity towards compact SUVs, the HR-V could definitely be considered. But as far as our reckoning goes, Honda does not want to repeat the underwhelming response for BR-V in its brand new product and thus the XR-V with the stylish SUV stance should have opted against the HR-V.
Designed by Manabu Konaka, the XR-V has been rolling out of production lines in China since 2014 and it measures 4,295 mm in length, 1,770 mm in width and stands 1,605 mm tall with a wheelbase of 2,610 mm. It is offered with a choice of 1.5-litre and 1.8-litre powertrains with a five-speed manual and CVT automatic transmissions.
Besides the striking visual presence, the XR-V has bigger proportions compared to Hyundai Creta, as it is 25 mm longer along with having 20 mm more wheelbase for better interior space. Just as in China, it could be positioned below the soon-launching CR-V at around Rs. 10-15 lakh price bracket to consolidate the brand’s premium SUV fleet.
Honda XR-V Compact SUV Images
