Honda XR-V is China’s own version of the India-bound small SUV that we know as the Vezel or the HR-V
Japanese carmaker giant Honda has showcased the XR-V small SUV at the ongoing 2018 Chengdu Motor Show. The XR-V isn’t exactly irrelevant to India. Basically, it is a unique Chinese version of the small SUV that we all know as the Vezel or the HR-V. The Honda XR-V is produced in China by Dongfeng-Honda.
The Honda XR-V isn’t too different from the Hyundai Creta-rivalling HR-V SUV that India is rumoured to get next year. The biggest difference in the Chinese version is its all-new front- and rear-end. The SUV also gets updated side body panels and even a different design for the dashboard.
We feel that the Honda XR-V looks better than the HR-V/Vezel. While the India-bound SUV gets a Jazz-like face, the XR-V looks bolder and slightly more aggressive. It gets sleeker headlights and grey plastic cladding. At the rear, it gets a sportier set of tail lamps.
In the side profile, there are many new panels. The rising character line of the HR-V has been replaced with muscular-looking flared wheel arches. Even the wheels and the ORVM caps are new for the China-only Honda XR-V SUV. On the inside, the HR-V’s dashboard has been replaced with a more rounded one that gets four circular vents for the HVAC.
The Honda XR-V will be available with two petrol engine options – 1.5-litre and 1.8-litre. Transmission choices will include a manual and a CVT. Other than the several cosmetic changes, the XR-V and the HR-V (Vezel) are same underneath.
Like the HR-V or the Vezel, the Honda XR-V is based on the Honda Jazz (Fit) platform. It is a China-only model that has been tailor-made to suit the specific needs of the Chinese car market. India is speculated to receive the HR-V sometime next year. Over here, it will rival the likes of Hyundai Creta. You can stay tuned to Gaadiwaadi for launch updates and other details on the Honda HR-V/Vezel.
Honda XR-V Images from 2018 Chengdu Motor Show – LIVE
